Momordica balsamina: phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of a gifted species

Abstract

Momordica balsamina L. (Cucurbitaceae), frequently named balsam apple, southern balsam pear or African pumpkin, is a vegetable with high nutritional value, being mostly used as food in sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been largely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases, such as malaria fevers and diabetes. As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the main constituents are cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, with different oxidation patterns, named cucurbitacins. This review aims at summarizing our contribution to the phytochemical study of M. balsamina and the evaluation of the isolated cucurbitacins and derivatives as multidrug resistance reversers in cancer cells and bacteria. In this way, the selective antiproliferative activity against multidrug resistant cancer cells of cucurbitacins obtained from M. balsamina, their ability as P-glycoprotein inhibitors in cancer cells overexpressing this ABC transporter, as well as efflux pump inhibitors in resistant bacteria strains are reviewed. Moreover, the in vitro antimalarial activity of cucurbitacins and acyl derivatives against the blood and liver-stages of Plasmodium strains, and the in vivo activity of selected compounds is also reviewed. Besides our work, edible and medicinal uses, and other studies mainly reporting the biological activities of M. balsamina extracts, such as antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are also addressed.

Identification of a Novel Anti-HIV-1 Protein from Momordica balsamina Leaf Extract

“…We attribute this activity to a 30 kD protein we call MoMo30. Other molecules have been linked to antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, antiparasitic, and analgesic activity in M. balsamina [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. A group of 30 kD anti-HIV proteins, known as Type-1 ribosome-inactivating proteins (R.I.P.s), have previously been extracted from M. balsamina .…”

“…Momordica balsamina ( M. balsamina ), commonly known as balsam apple and African pumpkin, is a tendril-bearing plant from the Cucurbitaceae family, native to the tropical climates of Africa and Southeast Asia [ 4 , 5 ]. There is considerable research surrounding the anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties associated with M. balsamina.…”

“…The anti-inflammatory properties have also been studied. M. balsamina is used to treat ulcers, reduce blood pressure, and treat wounds [ 4 , 5 ]. Most notably, there have been numerous reports on antiviral proteins found within the seed of M. balsamina .…”

Antibacterial Activities of Monsonia Angustifolia and Momordica Balsamina Linn Extracts against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii

“…The plant is reported to have antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity [27,28]. The plant methanolic extracts have demonstrated inhibitory activity on the growth of some Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium [29]. The antibacterial activity of these two plants against clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria is of great interest.…”

Editorial to the special issue: “Phytochemicals in nutrition and health: advances and challenges”

“…Ramalhete et al ( 2022 ) describe the phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of Momordica balsamina L. (Cucurbitaceae), the balsam apple, mostly used as food in Africa. Due to the presence of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, the so called cucurbitacins, this plant has also potential as antimalarial and antidiabetic drug and to reverse multidrug resistance in cancer cells and bacteria.…”