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The Role of Momordica charantia in Resisting Obesity

Author

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  • Meiqi Fan

    (Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Eun-Kyung Kim

    (Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Young-Jin Choi

    (Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea)

  • Yujiao Tang

    (Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
    School of Bio-Science and Food Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130–600, China)

  • Sang-Ho Moon

    (Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea)

Abstract

Momordica charantia ( M. charantia ), commonly known as bitter gourd, bitter melon, kugua, balsam pear, or karela, is a tropical and sub-tropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It has been used to treat a variety of diseases in the traditional medicine of China, India, and Sri Lanka. Here, we review the anti-obesity effects of various bioactive components of M. charantia established at the cellular and organismal level. We aim to provide links between various bioactive components of M. charantia and their anti-obesity mechanism. An advanced search was conducted on the worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder, CNKI) database with the query TS = “ Momordica charantia ” and “obesity”. Information was also obtained from International Plant Names Index, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classic books, online databases, PhD and MSc dissertations, etc. First, studies showing the anti-obesity effects of M. charantia on the cells and on animals were classified. The major bioactive components that showed anti-obesity activities included proteins, triterpenoids, saponins, phenolics, and conjugated linolenic acids. Their mechanisms included inhibition of fat synthesis, promotion of glucose utilization, and stimulation of auxiliary lipid-lowering activity. Finally, we summarized the risks of excessive consumption of M. charantia and the application. Although further research is necessary to explore various issues, this review establishes the therapeutic potential of M. charantia and it is highly promising candidate for the development of anti-obesity health products and medicines.

Suggested Citation

  • Meiqi Fan & Eun-Kyung Kim & Young-Jin Choi & Yujiao Tang & Sang-Ho Moon, 2019. "The Role of Momordica charantia in Resisting Obesity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:18:p:3251-:d:264146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evan D. Rosen & Bruce M. Spiegelman, 2006. "Adipocytes as regulators of energy balance and glucose homeostasis," Nature, Nature, vol. 444(7121), pages 847-853, December.
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    1. Meiqi Fan & Jae-In Lee & Young-Bae Ryu & Young-Jin Choi & Yujiao Tang & Mirae Oh & Sang-Ho Moon & Bokyung Lee & Eun-Kyung Kim, 2021. "Comparative Analysis of Metabolite Profiling of Momordica charantia Leaf and the Anti-Obesity Effect through Regulating Lipid Metabolism," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, May.

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