The Potential of Bitter Melon Residues Concerning its Physico-chemical Characterization, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Effects

Abstract

Background: Bioactive compounds from vegetables have played a substantial role as therapeutic agents in drug discovery since it contains nutraceutical and nutraceutical properties. Cucurbitaceae family encompasses several edible plants that contain valuable natural compounds. Objectives: To evaluate the physicochemical and mineral composition on Momordica charantia fruit residues. Materials and Methods: The physiochemical composition and mineral composition were characterized by FTIR and optical emission spectrophotometer, respectively. The phenolics, flavonoids and total antioxidant activity were employed by spectrophotometrically. The green ultrasound assisted extraction was used for aqueous and 12% ethanolic extraction for evaluation of phenolic compounds by UPLC/MS. Results: The results revealed the minerals such as K, P, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Sr, Cu and Mn found in bitter melon. High contents of total phenolics content (683.820 to 1753.345 galic acid: quercetin (2:1)/100 g of sample) and total flavonoids (106.206 to 311.423 mg of quercetin/100 g of sample) were observed in peel aqueous extract. The aqueous extract of peel exhibited maximum inhibitory potential against DPPH radical (93% of inhibition) than ethanolic extract. This aqueous extract of peel also contains naringenin, catechin, epicatechin, p-coumaric, ferulic and chlorogenic acids which were reveled from UPLC/MS analysis. Conclusion: This study suggests that M. charantia residues are good sources of functional proteins, lipids, fibers and minerals, resulting in greater nutritional value. In addition, M. charantia is of great interest in its promising benefits for human health, due to its antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds.