A summary of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of bitter melon

According to a study published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, Momordica charantia (bitter melon) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers involved in the study believe that M. charantia can be used to help treat patients with cancer or inflammation.

• Momordica charantia, commonly called bitter melon or bitter gourd, is a plant with potent biological activities.
• The plant is grown around the globe, such as in the Amazon, tropical areas of Asia, the Caribbean, and East Africa. M. charantia can be used as either an ingredient when cooking or in folk medicine.
• The whole plant, including its fruit, is commonly consumed and cooked with various vegetables. M. charantia can be stir-fried, stuffed, or used in small quantities to give a slightly bitter flavor to soups and other dishes.
• Data from the study showed that M. charantia has antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities.
• The plant extract can also help inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy.
• Additionally, M. charantia extract can inhibit cancer stem cells.
• According to research data, the plant is full of bioactive chemical constituents, some isolated compounds, and proteins with powerful biological activity.

The study authors concluded that M. charantia, which has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities along with several crucial chemical constituents, can one day be used to produce a cure for both cancer and inflammation.

You can read more articles about natural cures for cancer and how to prevent it at Cancer.news.

Journal Reference: 

Dandawate PR, Subramaniam D, Padhye SB, Anant S. BITTER MELON: A PANACEA FOR INFLAMMATION AND CANCER. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. 2016;14(2):81–100. DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(16)60002-x