Enzymatic activity of momordica charantia fruits
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Enzymatic activity of momordica charantia fruits
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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D.S. Bhuvaneshwari, P. Chitradevi, P. Balamurugan, N. Asish, M. C. Divakar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Enzymatic activity of momordica charantia fruits
Year: 2002
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the enzymatic activity of Momordica charantia Linn, commonly known as karela or bitter gourd, by isolating and analyzing the crude enzyme fraction from its fresh unripe fruits. Conducted by researchers from the Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry at Sri Ramakrishna College of Pharmacy, the research aims to substantiate traditional medicinal claims surrounding the fruit, which is recognized for its properties as an appetizer, stomachic, and carminative. The paper explores the presence of various bioactive compounds within the fruit that contribute to its therapeutic effects, alongside a rigorous analysis of its amylolytic and lipolytic activities.
Amylolytic Activity of Momordica Charantia
The amylolytic potency of the crude enzyme extract from Momordica charantia fruits was significant, yielding an observed activity of 342.26 ± 21.04 units per gram of the crude enzyme extract. The researchers employed standard methods for screening amylase activity, determining optimal conditions for enzyme efficacy, which were found to be at a temperature of 35 °C and a pH of 7.8. This highlights the enzyme's potential as a digestive aid, with implications for developing effective herbal formulations. Additionally, the study detailed the specific methodologies applied, such as the Folin-Lowry method for protein content determination and iodometric titration to estimate thiol content, reinforcing the scientific validity of its findings.
Conclusion
The insights gained from this investigation into the enzymatic activities of Momordica charantia suggest that the crude enzyme extract possesses considerable amylolytic and lipolytic properties, asserting its utility in both traditional and modern medicinal applications. The findings not only validate the fruit's historical use in Ayurvedic practices but also pave the way for further purification and study of specific enzymes responsible for these activities. As the research continues, it aims to deepen the understanding of this plant's enzymatic profiles, contributing to the development of herbal formulations that could enhance digestive health and overall wellness.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Momordica charantia and its medicinal benefits?
Momordica charantia, also known as karela or bitter gourd, is a plant with unripe fruits that have proven amylolytic and lipolytic activities. Traditionally, it is used for various ailments, including appetite stimulation, digestive issues, and acting as an anthelminitic.
How was the enzymatic activity of Momordica charantia studied?
The enzymatic activity was studied by isolating a crude enzyme fraction from fresh unripe fruits and screening it for amylolytic and lipolytic activities using standard methods, including protein content determination and various chemical tests.
What are the optimal conditions for the enzyme extract's activity?
The enzyme extract exhibited optimal activity at a temperature of 35°C and a pH of 7.8, indicating the specific environmental conditions that enhance its amylolytic and lipolytic effectiveness for potential digestive applications.
What are the future research directions for this enzyme extract?
Future research aims to further separate and purify specific enzymes responsible for the notable amylolytic and lipolytic activities found in the Momordica charantia fruits, which may lead to more effective therapeutic herbal formulations.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Enzymatic activity of momordica charantia fruits”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
The term 'Activity' refers to the enzymatic functions being studied, specifically amylolytic and lipolytic activities of the crude enzyme extract from Momordica charantia fruits. These activities are essential for assessing the digestive potential of the extract, demonstrating its role in traditional and potential medicinal applications in aiding digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.
2) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or karela, is a tropical plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits are studied for their medicinal properties, including enzyme activities that promote digestion and various health benefits, solidifying its significance in traditional medicine systems across cultures.
3) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. In the context of this research, it refers to the traditional medicinal applications of Momordica charantia, which are evaluated through scientific methods to validate historical claims of its therapeutic effects and nutritional value.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In this document, it refers to the scientific methods employed to analyze the enzymatic activities of Momordica charantia, translating traditional knowledge into empirical evidence supporting its medicinal use.
5) Karela (Karēlā, Karelā):
Karela is the regional name for Momordica charantia in South India. It highlights the cultural significance and culinary uses of the fruit, as well as its traditional medicinal applications. The recognition of karela in this research connects local practices with broader scientific inquiries into its health benefits.
6) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis of results obtained from the experiments conducted in the study. In this context, it involves interpreting the findings related to enzyme activities, correlating them with traditional knowledge and existing literature, and suggesting potential areas for future research on the medicinal uses of karela.
7) Substance:
In this context, 'Substance' refers to the crude enzyme extract obtained from the fruits of Momordica charantia. The paper explores its biochemical properties, particularly its enzymatic activities, which indicate its potential efficacy as a natural digestive aid and support the therapeutic claims associated with it.
8) Bitter:
The term 'Bitter' describes the notable taste characteristic of Momordica charantia, which contributes to its culinary and medicinal applications. This bitterness is often associated with health benefits in traditional medicine, enhancing appetite and digestion, and plays a crucial role in identifying its uses across various cultures.
9) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma refers to one of the authors, Rama Sharma, whose contributions to the research add credibility and collaborative strength to the study. His previous works, including methodologies referenced, indicate an established relationship between traditional medicines and scientific inquiry, lending authority to their findings on karela.
10) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta is another author involved in this research, indicating the collaborative nature of scientific studies. The inclusion of his work alongside others signifies the diverse expertise contributing to the analysis of Momordica charantia, thereby enriching the discussion of its biochemical properties and traditional applications.
11) Mishra (Miśra):
Misra refers to a co-author of the study, emphasizing the collaborative approach to research. His name marks a contribution to the findings on the biochemical activities of Momordica charantia, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of the project and vetting its insights on traditional medicinal practices.
12) Water:
Water serves as a crucial solvent and medium in the experimental procedures outlined in the study. Its role in enzyme activity assays highlights the importance of environmental factors on enzymatic reactions, as well as its general significance in biological systems, especially concerning digestion and metabolism.
13) Ravi (Rāvī, Rāvin, Ravin):
Ravi refers to Dr. T.K. Ravi, recognized as an important figure in the acknowledgment section. His support as the principal underscores the institutional backing and resources available for the research, positioning the study within a structured academic framework that enhances its credibility and potential impact.
14) Rama (Ramā, Rāmā, Rāma):
Rama refers to the first name of author Sharma, highlighting individual contributions within a collaborative framework. His involvement signifies expertise in the subject matter and links the study to his ongoing research efforts aiming to bridge traditional medicine with validated scientific practices.
15) Salt (Salty):
Salt, specifically bile salts mentioned in the enzyme assays, is pivotal for evaluating lipolytic activity in the study. It acts as an emulsifying agent, aiding in the breakdown of fats, thereby illustrating the biochemical interactions in studying the enzyme potential of Momordica charantia in digestive processes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Enzymatic activity of momordica charantia fruits’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional System of Medicine, Lipolytic activity, Ancient Science of life, Thiol groups, Diosgenin, Amylolytic activity, Medicinally active compounds, Iodometric Titration, Qualitative chemical tests, Folin-Lowry method, PH of buffer.