Bitter Melon P.E.
Latin name: Momordica Charantia Linn.
Chinese name:Ku Gua
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Momordica
Part used: Fruit
Active ingredient: Charantin
Molecular Formula: C42H62O16
Molecular Weight: 822.92
Appearance: Fine yellowish brown powdered solid
Odour & Taste:Characteristic,bitter
Solubility:Soluble in ethanol & water solution
Test method: UV
CAS No.:90063-94-8
Introduction:
The plant Momordica charantia belongs to the family cucuritaceae and is commonly known as bitter melon. Bitter melon grows in tropical and subtropic areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. It produces beautiful flowers and prickly fruit .The fruit of this plant lives up to its name—it tastes bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of bitter melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The juice of the leaves and fruit or seeds is used as an anthelmintic. In Brazil, the dose for anthelmintic use is two or three seeds. The immature fruit of M.charantia tastes bitter due to the cucurbitacius. Cucurbitacius is comprised of a group of triterpenes including momordicosides, A-E, K, L, and momardicius I, II and III. The roots and fruit are used as an abortifacient.
Varieties:
Bitter melon comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The China phenotype is 20–30 cm long, oblong with bluntly tapering ends and pale green in color, with a gently undulating, warty surface. The bitter melon more typical of India has a narrower shape with pointed ends, and a surface covered with jagged, triangular "teeth" and ridges. It is green to white in color. Between these two extremes are any number of intermediate forms. Some bear miniature fruit of only 6–10 cm in length, which may be served individually as stuffed vegetables. These miniature fruit are popular in India and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
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Cautions
The seeds of bitter melon contains vicine and therefore can trigger symptoms of favism in susceptible individuals. In addition, the red arils of the seeds are reported to be toxic to children, and the fruit is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Dosage and AdministrationBitter melon may be consumed in the following ways: as food, a decoction of as much as 3 1/3 ounces (100 ml), or 2 ounces (60 ml) of fresh juice (daily). Though still bitter, tinctures of bitter melon (1 teaspoon [5 ml] two to three times per day) may also be used. The above dosages would be appropriate for diabetics.
Storage: Store in cool & dry place, Keep away from strong light and heat.
Shelf life: 24 Months when properly stored
