MOMORDICA CHARANTIA LINN.: A MINI REVIEW

Abstract

Momordica charantia Linn. is herbal drug that has been mentioned in many medicinal literature. This article discuss about the medicinal values of Momordica charantia Linn. In this communication, we reviewed the Phytochemistry and its applications in the treatment of various ailments like diabetes mellitus, cancer, obesity, Researchers also reported about its teratogenic activity, antigenotoxic, viral, anti inflammatory, anti depressant, anxiolytic, wound healing activity anti feedent activity. The major constituent of the plant are Terpenoids, Proteins, Sterols and Fatty acids, Volatile constituents are identified and isolated active chemical moieties from this plant are  α,  β and γ momorcharins , momordins a and b momordicin, momordicinin, charantin. This review discusses the investigation by various workers related to chemical constituents, pharmacological action and toxicological studies of this plant since years till date.