A COMPLETE REVIEW OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA: A BITTER PLANT TRADITIONALLY USED IN SENEGAL
Samba Baldé*, Medoune Gueye Sarr*, Khadim Niane, Nicolas Cyrille Ayessou, Mady Cisse and Codou Mar Diop
ABSTRACT
This study highlighted the ethnobotanical knowledge, biological properties and economic importance of M. charantia in Senegal. It is a climbing plant cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. M. charantia has provided many remedies for various diseases from ancient times to the present. It has been used in various traditional Asian medicines for the treatment of cholera, bronchitis, anemia, blood diseases, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, rheumatism, gout, worms, colic, diseases of the liver and spleen, cancer and diabetes, etc. The main constituents are triterpene, protein, steroid, alkaloid, inorganic, lipid and phenolic compounds, which are responsible for biological effects and pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic, anticancer and antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihelmintic, antimalarial, antiulcer and immunomodulatory . Combination of its Ayuervedic properties namely Gunna, Rasa and Virya (Dry, Pungent, Mild, Bitter and Pungent) makes it the true wonder of nature. In this article, general description, traditional uses and medicinal properties of M. charantia have been reviewed.
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