New insights into the bioactive polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids isolated from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and their relevance for nutraceutical and food application: A review

The recent trend in infectious diseases and chronic disorders has dramatically increased consumers' interest in functional foods. As a result, the research of bioactive ingredients with potential for nutraceutical and food application has rapidly become a topic of interest. In this optic, the plant Momordica charantia (M. charantia) has recently attracted the most attention owing to its numerous biological properties including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancers among others. However, the current literature on M. charantia has mainly been concerned with the plant extract while little is known on the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's health benefits. Hence, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress on bioactives isolated from M. charantia, focusing on polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids. Thus, this review provides an up-to-date account of the different extraction methods used to isolate M. charantia bioactives. In addition, the structural features and biological properties are presented. Moreover, this review discusses the current and promising applications of M. charantia bioactives with relevance to the nutraceutical and food industries. The information provided in this review will serve as a theoretical basis and practical support for the formulation of products enriched with M. charantia bioactives.

Automated summary

The trend in infectious diseases and chronic disorders has led to increased consumer interest in functional foods. As a result, there has been a rapid growth in research on bioactive ingredients from plants like Momordica charantia (M. charantia), which has shown various health benefits including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these benefits are not well understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research progress on bioactives from M. charantia, with a focus on polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids. The review discusses extraction methods, structural features, biological properties, and potential applications in the nutraceutical and food industries.