Phenolic Profile and Biological Properties of Momordica charantia

M. charantia is an important medicinal plant belongs to family cucurbitaceae. It originates from India, Malasiya and is widely spread all over tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. This research work has been designed to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and toxicological potential of M. charantia. The antifungal and antioxidant components of M. charantia leaves, seeds and peels were extracted by using four solvent systems (80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 100% methanol and 100% ethanol) andleaves presented maximum extract yield (22.7 g/100g DW) in 80% methanolic solvent system. Phytochemical analysis of M. Charantia leaves, seeds and peels extracts performed in terms of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, showed that 80% methanolic leaves extract offered highest total phenolic contents (47.1 mg GAE/g DW), whereas80% ethanolic leaves gave maximum total flavonoid contents (67.3 mg CE/g DW). The phenolic contents were also analysed by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity and measure of reducing power. Results revealed that 80% methanolic leaves extract showed highest radical scavenging activity and reducing potential. Antimicrobial activity of M. charantia leaves, seeds and peels was investigated by Disc Diffusion Method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Results showed that 80% methanolic extract of leaves exhibited highest antibacterial and antifungal potential against P. multocida (30 mm DIZ) and A. paraciticus (28 mm DIZ), respectively. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed on BHK-21 cell by adopting the MTT assay. The cytotoxicity activity of the 80% methanolic extract of leaves was evaluated by noticing the cell survival percentage (53.4%). Overall results of the present study showed that 80% methanolic leaves extracts of M. charantia possesses very good antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.