AUTHOR=Muronga Mashudu , Quispe Cristina , Tshikhudo Phumudzo P. , Msagati Titus A. M , Mudau Fhatuwani N. , Martorell Miquel , Salehi Bahare , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal , Sunusi Usman , Kamal Ramla Muhammad , Sharifi-Rad Javad 

TITLE=Three Selected Edible Crops of the Genus Momordica as Potential Sources of Phytochemicals: Biochemical, Nutritional, and Medicinal Values

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.625546

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2021.625546

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Momordica</italic> species (Family Cucurbitaceae) are cultivated throughout the world for their edible fruits, leaves, shoots and seeds. Among the species of the genus <italic>Momordica,</italic> there are three selected species that are used as vegetable, and for medicinal purposes, <italic>Momordica charantia</italic> L (Bitter melon), <italic>Momordica foetida</italic> Schumach (Bitter cucumber) and <italic>Momordica balsamina</italic> L (African pumpkin). The fruits and leaves of these <italic>Momordica</italic> species are rich in primary and secondary metabolites such as proteins, fibers, minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc), <italic>β</italic>-carotene, foliate, ascorbic acid, among others. The extracts from <italic>Momordica</italic> species are used for the treatment of a variety of diseases and ailments in traditional medicine. <italic>Momordica</italic> species extracts are reputed to possess anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anthelmintic bioactivity, abortifacient, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and play chemo-preventive functions. In this review we summarize the biochemical, nutritional, and medicinal values of three <italic>Momordica</italic> species (<italic>M. charantia</italic>, <italic>M. foetida</italic> and <italic>M. balsamina</italic>) as promising and innovative sources of natural bioactive compounds for future pharmaceutical usage.</p>