Neuroprotective effects of Momordica charantia: A review from preclinical studies

Abstract

Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), also referred as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a cucurbit plant commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. As an important ingredient in traditional medicine, it has been consumed to treat a wide range of diseases including diabetics and cancer in India, Indian subcontinent and China. This plant contains a rich source of flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes, polysaccharides, proteins, and other phytochemicals. Earlier studies have demonstrated the medicinal properties such as anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic properties present in M. charantia. Neurodegenerative diseases are the devastating diseases which affect millions of people worldwide.  Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are some of the common neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases are described by degeneration and /or loss of selective neuron populations in a progressive manner. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. Many medicinal herbs and their derivatives have been investigated to treat neurodegenerative diseases. However, very few studies have reported the protective effects of M. charantia against neurodegenerative diseases. In this short review, we discuss the preclinical studies with the focus on the neuroprotective effects of M. charantia. Based on the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in this review we emphasize to further explore the protective effects of M. charantia in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.