Original Articles
Sarika Gupta,Swati Gupta and S
Abstract
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is chosen for the study due to its diversified nutritional and medicinal properties (antihyperglycemic and antiretroviral). It contains artificial insulin and also acts as antitumor agent and inhibits HIV-1 infection. Various plant parts (seed, leaf, stem, and fruit), in vitro formed callus and suspension cultures of Momordica charantia were used for the isolation of polypeptide-P, MAP-30 protein aqueous and detergent soluble fraction,. Polypeptide – P was found utmost in leaves, seeds and fruits. The antiretroviral protein (MAP 30) was recovered in the highest amount from leaves followed by fruit and seed. Aqueous soluble fraction I was highest in leaves followed by seed and fruit. Whereas, detergent soluble fraction II was found maximum in suspension culture followed by fruit and callus. Popularity of Momordica charantia in various systems of traditional medicine for several ailments focused the investigator’s attention on this plant. Constituents of bitter melon can be utilized for preparing many herbal formulations which can cure with no adverse effects.