Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of methanol extracts of momordica dioica roxb

Abstract

Momordica dioica, commonly known as spiny gourd, teasle gourd, or kakrol, is a perennial, dioecious climbing plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. This versatile plant is not only used as a food source but also plays a role in preventing and treating various illnesses. The current study focuses on the phytochemical analysis of Momordica dioica, investigating its potential medicinal properties. The fruit is extracted in stages using methanol, after which the presence of key phytochemicals—such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, phytosterols, triterpenoids, and quinones—is screened. The results indicate that this plant is a rich source of diverse phytochemicals. This experimental investigation has identified several biologically active secondary metabolites, which may contribute to the development of new drugs. Overall, Momordica dioica shows promise for future research in pharmacology and nutrition, highlighting its significance in both traditional and modern medicine.