Momordica balsamina
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Scientific
Classification:
Synonyms: Species ID: NMP-288,wfo-0000376910,NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 3672 Common Names: African cucumber, balsam apple, and
balsam pear. Other names for M. balsamina are balsamina or southern balsam pear Local Names: Garahuni or Garafuni (Hausa), cacana
(Mozambique) and nkaka (South Africa) Basic Description: Momordica balsamina
is a climbing herb that can extend up to 5 meters in length. It features thin,
angular, and slightly hairy stems. The leaves are alternately arranged,
heart-shaped, and deeply lobed with serrated edges. The plant produces pale
yellow flowers and round, somewhat warty, bright orange fruits. When ripe, the
fruits split open to reveal numerous seeds encased in a brilliant scarlet,
sticky coating. Distribution and
Habitat: Momordica balsamina
is native to tropical regions of Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula.
It has been introduced and become invasive in parts of Asia, Australia, Central
America, and North America, including some areas in Florida. The plant thrives
in lowland and montane rainforests, as well as disturbed areas. Medicinal Properties: Traditionally, Momordica balsamina
has been utilized for various medicinal purposes: · Antimicrobial Properties: The leaves, fruits, and seeds of M. balsamina exhibit strong antimicrobial activity: ·
Antibacterial
Activity: Extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacterial
pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus,
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This supports its traditional use in treating
infections and wounds. ·
Antifungal
Activity: The plant is effective against fungal species such as Candida
albicans and Aspergillus. (Ajayi et al., 2018) · Anti-inflammatory
and Analgesic Properties: Momordica balsamina is used to treat
inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain. The
anti-inflammatory effect is linked to the presence of flavonoids and saponins,
which inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. · Antiplasmodial
and Antimalarial Effects: The plant exhibits antimalarial
activity, particularly against Plasmodium falciparum. The leaves and fruit
extracts have been used traditionally to treat fevers and malaria. This is
attributed to the alkaloids and flavonoids in the plant, which inhibit the
growth of malaria parasites. ·
Antidiabetic
Properties: The plant is used traditionally to
manage diabetes. Compounds in the leaves and fruit help regulate blood glucose
levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose absorption in the
gut. ·
Antioxidant
Activity: Momordica balsamina is a rich source of antioxidants,
including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds
neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and its associated
diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. ·
Wound
Healing:The leaves and fruit pulp are applied topically to cuts and
wounds to promote healing. The antiseptic properties prevent infection, while
the saponins and tannins enhance tissue repair. ·
Antiviral
Properties: Compounds called momordins, isolated
from M. balsamina, exhibit antiviral activity against HIV and other viruses.
These proteins inhibit viral replication by targeting viral RNA. ·
Gastroprotective
Effects: The plant is used to treat stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and
intestinal infections. Its gastroprotective effects are due to the presence of
tannins, which reduce gut inflammation and promote mucosal healing. · Liver
Protective Activity: Studies suggest hepatoprotective
effects, where the plant extracts mitigate liver damage induced by toxins or
alcohol. This is attributed to its antioxidant activity. ·
Anticancer
Potential: Preliminary studies indicate that
extracts of M. balsamina may have anticancer activity. Compounds such as
phenolics and flavonoids inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro. ·
Fertility
Regulation: In some African cultures, the plant is
used to regulate fertility. The seeds and fruits have been reported to have
contraceptive properties, though the exact mechanism remains under study. Known Toxicity: While the plant has medicinal benefits,
some sources indicate that the outer rind and seeds of the fruit may be
poisonous. However, certain communities, such as the Tsonga people in southern
Africa, consume the leaves and fruit after proper preparation. Caution is
advised, and traditional knowledge should be consulted to ensure safe usage. Additional
Information: Beyond its medicinal applications, Momordica
balsamina has practical uses:
References:
External links
More Pictures
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| Compounds of Momordica balsamina | |
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