Author(s):

Deepak Kumar, Satendra Kumar and Chandra Shekhar

Abstract: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is member of the Cucurbitaceae family and native is India (Indo-Burma region) with chromosome number (2n)= 22. Depending on location is known variously as karela, bitter gourd, bitter melon, balsam pear (India), Kugua (China), Nigeria URI (Japan), Ampalaya (Philippines), Mara (Thailand) and Peria (Malaysia). It is widely grown and consumed vegetable in Asia, East Africa, India as well as South America. Bitter gourd provides health benefits against various ailments for improving the quality of life. It is nutrient dense plant-based food containing versatility of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, polypeptide, vitamins, and minerals. In view of presence of bioactive compounds, it has the ability to fight against various lifestyle related disorders, e.g. help in weight loss, diabetes mellitus, anti cancer properties, abdominal pain, kidney (stone), fever and liver cleanser. Amongst bioactive moieties, p-insulin is similar to insulin whose subcutaneous injection significantly lower blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. It also contains steroidal saponins called charantin, act similar peptides and certain alkaloids that effectively control sugar level in blood. The therapeutic perspectives have been also highlighted as they are helpful in regulating blood cholesterol thus protecting the body from cardiovascular disorders like atherosclerosis. Whole fruit, seeds and leaves of bitter gourd regulates impaired antioxidant status and suppress fat accumulation. Moreover, curative potential of its bioactive components and their utilization in value added food products are also the limelight of article.

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