Skip to main content
PMC home page
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM logoLink to Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM
. 2014 Aug 12;2014:806082. doi: 10.1155/2014/806082

Phytochemical, Phytotherapeutical and Pharmacological Study of Momordica dioica

Sattya Narayan Talukdar 1, Mohammad Nazir Hossain 1,2,*
PMCID: PMC4145798  PMID: 25197312

Abstract

Momordica dioica is a perennial, dioecious, cucurbitaceous climbing creeper (commonly known as kakrol, spiny gourd or teasle gourd). It is native to Asia with extensive distribution in India and Bangladesh. It is used not only as preventive and curative agent for various diseases but also as vegetable with a significant nutritional value over thousands of years. This review aims to take an attempt to evaluate the phytochemical, ethnobotanical, phytotherapeutical and pharmacological properties of kakrol according to the view of traditional medicinal plant based treatment including ayurveda along with recent scientific observations. Kakrol is considered as an underutilized vegetable, although having significant presence of certain compounds containing higher nutritional value than many frequently consumed vegetables. Moreover, as a traditional medicinal plant, it is still potential for its phytochemical components that increase the demand of further extensive evaluation to justify its other therapeutical roles. Therefore, this effort will be helpful to researchers who interested to disclose the unjustified phytotherapeutical role of Momordica dioica.

1. Introduction

Momordica dioica Roxb. is a perennial, dioecious (2n = 28) climber included in Cucurbitaceae family (Figure 1). Momordica genus contains about 80 species [1, 2]. According to the latest revision of Indian Momordica, there are six well identified species of which four are dioecious and two are monoecious [3]. Although this genus is originated from Indo-Malayan region, it is now found to grow in India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Myanmar, China, Japan, South East Asia, Polynesia, Tropical Africa, and South America [4, 5]. Its cultivation up to an altitude of 1500 meters in Assam and Garo hills of Meghalaya is reported [6]. It is commonly known as spine gourd, teasel gourd or small bitter gourd worldwide whereas in Bangladesh it is known as kakrol and in India as kankro, kartoli, kantoli, kantola, kantroli, ban karola, or janglee karela [7–10]. Kakrol is about 5–7 meters in length, a popular summer vegetable of which its fruit, young twigs and leaves are used as vegetable [11–13].

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Open in a new tab

Momordica dioica (Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/, http://www.tropicalfruitandveg.com/).

2. Phytochemical and Nutrient Study

The fruit of Momordica dioica contains ashes: 9.1%, crude protein: 5.44%, crude lipid: 3.25%, crude fiber: 22.9%, and carbohydrate: 59.31%. Its fruit has high energy value (288.25 kcal/100 g) in dry weight. Its mineral ranges (mg/100 g dry weight,) are: potassium (4.63), sodium (1.62), calcium (7.37), iron (5.04), and zinc (3.83) [14]. In another investigation, its nutritional value of per 100 g edible fruit is reported to contain 84.1% moisture, 7.7 g carbohydrate, 3.1 g protein, 3.1 g fat, 3.0 g fiber and 1.1 g minerals and small quantities of essential vitamins like carotene, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin [15].

Ali and Deokule evaluated some of its micronutrient and secondary metabolites as follows: calcium: 0.5 mg/g, sodium: 1.5 mg/g, potassium: 8.3 mg/g, iron: 0.14 mg/g, zinc: 1.34 mg/g, protein: 19.38%, fat: 4.7%, total phenolic compound: 3.7 mg/g, phytic acid: 2.8 mg/g, and ash value: 6.7% [16]. Moreover, its fruit is recommended as nutritionally rich source of protein and good source of lipid, crude fiber, carbohydrate, iron, calcium, phosphorous. Additionally, it is the highest amount of carotene (162 mg/100 g of edible portion) container amongst the cucurbitaceous vegetables [17–19]. The ash content is reported as 3-4% containing a trace of manganese [20].

Tirmizi et al. screened it as a potential source of chromium and zinc [21]. Whereas, Momordica dioica (peeled) contained 0.27 mg/kg of chromium and 4.91 mg/kg of zinc, Momordica dioica (unpeeled) contained 0.26 mg/kg of chromium and 11.0 mg/kg of zinc. The protein content of leaves and dry weight of aerial plant parts remained higher in male as compared to female defruited and monoecious plants [22]. The fruit contains higher amount of ascorbic acid and iodine [23, 24]. The presence of secondary metabolites of fruit including alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, and saponins was determined [25]. Among them, four compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate extract and five compounds were isolated from methanol extract consisting of alkaloids and flavonoids with NH and C=O functional groups, respectively. The alkaloids present in seed and root were called momordicin and Momordica foetida, respectively [26]. Phytochemical investigations summurized in Table 1 also showed the presence of lectins, β-sitosterol, saponin glycosides, triterpenes of ursolic acid, hederagenin, oleanolic acid, α-spinasterol, stearic acid, gypsogenin, momodicaursenol, and three new compounds named 3β-o-benzoyl-11-oxo-ursolic acid, 3β-o-benzoyl-6-oxo-ursolic acid, and 3-o-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin [27–32].

Table 1.

Nutrient and phytochemical study of Momordica dioica as described in this paper.

Plant part Classification Compound Extract or preparation Reference
Fruit Crude protein — Quantitative analysis showed 5.44% [14]
Protein — Quantitative analysis showed 3.1/100 g [15]
— Quantitative analysis showed 19.38% [16]
Crude lipid — Quantitative analysis showed 3.25% [14]
Fat — Quantitative analysis showed 3.1/100 g [15]
— Quantitative analysis showed 4.7% [16]
Crude fiber — Quantitative analysis showed 22.9% [14]
Carbohydrate — Quantitative analysis showed 59.31% [14]
— Quantitative analysis showed 7.7/100 g [15]
Niacin — Not specified [15]
Thiamin — Not specified [15]
Carotene — Not specified [15]
— Quantitative analysis showed 162 mg/100 g of edible portion [18, 19]
Ascorbic acid — Not specified [24]
Potassium — Quantitative analysis showed 4.63 mg/100 g dry weight [14]
— Quantitative analysis showed 8.3 mg/g [16]
Sodium — Quantitative analysis showed 1.62 mg/100 g dry weight [14]
— Quantitative analysis showed 1.5 mg/g [16]
Calcium — Quantitative analysis showed 7.37 mg/100 g dry weight [14]
— Quantitative analysis showed 0.5 mg/g [16]
Iron — Quantitative analysis showed 5.04 mg/100 g dry weight [14]
— Quantitative analysis showed 0.14 mg/g [16]
Zinc — Quantitative analysis showed 3.83 mg/100 g dry weight [14]
— Quantitative analysis showed 1.34 mg/g [16]
— Not specified [21]
— Quantitative analysis showed 4.91 mg/kg (peeled), 11.0 mg/g (unpeeled) [22]
Manganese — Not specified [20]
Iodine — Not specified [23]
Chromium — Quantitative analysis showed 0.27 mg/kg (peeled), 0.26 mg/kg (unpeeled) [22]
— Not specified [21]
Phytic acid — Quantitative analysis showed 2.8 mg/g [16]
Total phenolic compound — Quantitative analysis showed 3.7 mg/g [16]
Alkaloids — Identified in ethyl acetate, methanol extract [25]
Flavonoid — Identified in methanol, hexane extract [25]
Steroids — Identified in ethyl acetate, methanol, aqueous extract [25]
Saponins — Identified in methanol, aqueous extract [25]
Triterpenoids — Identified in ethyl acetate, methanol, aqueous extract [25]
Seed Alkaloid Momordicin Identified in seed oil [26]
Lectin Anti-H-Lectin Not specified [30]
Root Alkaloid Momordicafoetida Not specified [26]
Stearic acid — Identified in methanol extract [31]
Steroid α-spinasterol octadecanoate Identified in methanol extract [31]
α-spinasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside Identified in methanol extract [31]
Triterpenoid Oleanolic acid Identified in methanol extract [32]
Gypsogenin Identified in methanol extract [32]
Hederagenin Identified in methanol extract [32]
3β-O-benzoyl-6-oxo-ursolic acid Identified in methanol extract [32]
3β-O-benzoyl-11-oxo-ursolic acid Identified in methanol extract [32]
3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin Identified in methanol extract [31]
3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl gypsogenin Identified in methanol extract [31]
3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl
gypsogenin		 Identified in methanol extract [31]
Open in a new tab

3. Ethnobotanical and Phytotherapeutical Study

According to Ayurveda (Table 2), not only its fruits have diuretic, laxative, hepatoprotective, antivenomous, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, antipyretic, antileprosy, antidiabetic, and antidepressant properties but also its leaves have antihelminthic, aphrodisiac, antihemorroidal, hepatoprotective, antibronchitic, antipyretic, antiasthmatic, and analgesic properties [33, 34]. Fresh fruit juice and cooked fruit in small amount of oil are prescribed for hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Oral administration of 50 mL of root juice is advised once a day with empty stomach to beat diabetes. The juice of root is a domestic remedy for the inflammation caused by contact with the urine of the house lizard. The juice of the leaves are mixed with coconut, pepper, red sandalwood, and so forth in order to form an ointment and applied to the head to relieve pain. Dried fruit powder applied into the nostrils produces a powerful errhine effect and provokes a copious discharge from the schneiderian mucous membrane [35]. Root juice has stimulant, astringent, antiseptic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcerant effect. The mucilaginous tubers act as antihelminthic, spermicidal, and antifertility abortifacient agent [36]. The root of the male plant is used in snake bites and scorpion sting [37]. The superficial use of root paste over the whole body is believed to act as a sedative in high fever with delirium [38, 39]. Beside the superficial and oral administration of leaf paste for skin disease, tender fruits are rubbed on skin for pimples and acne and roasted seeds are used for eczema and other skin problems [40]. Root powder is also applied for softening skin and reducing perspiration. The protective role of the leaves against chronic skin diseases is also reported. A preparation called “Panchatikta ghrita” is made by boiling 800 g each of neem bark, leaves of Momordica dioica, Solanum surattense, Tinospora cordifolia, and bark of Adhatoda vasica, in 5-6 liters of water up to its reduction to quarter and then adding of 3.5 liters of butter and about 3 kg myrobalans and is recommended as one tablespoonful with little hot milk internally twice daily in chronic skin diseases [41]. Mucilaginous tuber of female plant and toasted root are used in bleeding piles and bowel infections. The traditional use of Momrdica dioica against bleeding piles (hemorrhoids) is also reported [42, 43].

Table 2.

Ethnobotanical use of Momordica dioica as described in this paper.

Plant's part Ethnobotanical use Preparation or Mode of use Reference
Fruit Hypertension Fresh fruit juice [35]
Diabetes Cooked fruit in small amount of oil [35]
Pimple and acne protectant Tender fruits are rubbed on skin for pimples and acne [40]
Diuretic Not specified [33, 34]
Laxative Not specified [33, 34]
Hepatoprotective agent Not specified [33, 34]
Antihypertensive Not specified [33, 34]
Anti-inflammatory agent Not specified [33, 34]
Antipyretic Not specified [33, 34]
Antivenomous agent Not specified [33, 34]
Antiasthmatic agent Not specified [33, 34]
Antidepressant Not specified [33, 34]
Antileprosy agent Not specified [33, 34]
Root Diabetes Oral administration of 50 mL of root juice is advised once a day with empty stomach. [35, 36]
Anti-inflammatory agent The juice of the root is a domestic remedy for the inflammation caused by contact with the urine of the house lizard. [35, 36]
Stimulant Root juice [36]
Antiseptic Root juice [36]
Antiulcerant Root juice [36]
Antitoxic agent The root of the male plant uses in snake bites and scorpion sting [37]
Antipyretic The root paste smearing over the whole body act as a sedative fever with delirium [38, 39]
Skin softening agent Root powder is applied for softening skin [41]
Antiperspirant Root powder is applied for reducing perspiration. [41]
Antihemorroidal agent Toasted roots are used in bleeding piles [42, 43]
Bowel infection reducer Toasted roots are used in bowel infections [42]
Mucilaginous tuber Antihelminthic agent Not specified [36]
Spermicidal agent Not specified [36]
Antifertility agent Not specified [36]
Antihemorroidal agent Mucilaginous tuber of female plant are used in bleeding piles [42, 43]
Bowel infection reducer Mucilaginous tuber of female plant are used in bowel infections [42]
Seed Eczema protectant Roasted seeds are used for eczema and other skin problems [40]
Leaf Analgesic Leaf juice is mixed with coconut, pepper, red sandalwood, and so forth in order to form an ointment to relieve pain. [35]
Antihelminthic Not specified [33, 34]
Antihemorroidal Not specified [33, 34]
Antibronchitic Not specified [33, 34]
Skin disease reducer A preparation called “Panchatikta ghrita” is made by boiling 800 g each of neem bark, leaves of Momordica dioica, Solanum surattense, Tinospora cordifolia, and bark of Adhatoda vasica, in 5-6 liters of water up to its reduction to quarter and then the addition of 3.5 liters of butter and 3 kg myrobalans, is recommended as one tablespoonful with little hot milk internally twice daily in chronic skin diseases [40, 41]
Open in a new tab

4. Pharmacological Study

4.1. Antioxidant Activity

Compounds derived from natural sources are capable of providing protection against free radicals [44]. The alcoholic extract inhibited the formation of oxygen derived free radicals (ODFR) in vitro with 4000 μg/mL ascorbic system [45]. In another work, the free radical scavenging potential of the tuberous roots was studied by different in vitro methods, namely, DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, iron chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity, and haemoglobin glycosylation assay. Total antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract was found to be 26 μg/mL which is equivalent to ascorbic acid. Moreover, its ethanol extract showed percentage inhibition of haemoglobin glycosylation as 66.63 and 74.14 at conc. of 500 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively, while that of standard DL α-tocopherol was 61.53% and 86.68% inhibition at same concentration [46]. The antioxidant activities of methanol and aqueous extract of fruits were analyzed and the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sterol, alkaloids, amino acids, and so forth, were found [47]. Among those compounds, due to the presence of flavonoids, its fruit was reported as a potent antioxidant [48].

4.2. Analgesic Activity

Ilango et al. and Vaidya and Shreedhara reported that both hexane extract and soluble portion of methanolic extract of Momordica dioica fruit pulp exhibited analgesic activity when compared to standard drug [49, 50]. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts exhibited significant analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing syndrome when compared to the vehicle treated control group. But among them petroleum ether and methanol extract gave more significant analgesic activity than ethyl acetate extract [51].

4.3. Nephroprotective Activity

The ethanol extract of seeds was screened and marked nephroprotective as well as curative activities was found without any toxicity caused by nephrotoxin-like gentamicin [52]. The nephroprotective and curative activities of its fruit extract ware also observed [53]. Gupta et al. evaluated the renal protective effect of Momordica dioica extract in streptozotocin-diabetic rats [54].

4.4. Neuroprotective Activity

The effect of methanol and aqueous extract of fruit pulp was observed on the central nervous system by using neuropharmacological experimental models in mice. These extracts were used for a dose-dependent reduction of the onset and duration of a reduction in locomotor activity. It was suggested that methanol and aqueous extract of fruit pulp (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) had neuroprotective activities [55].

4.5. Antiallergic Activities

The antiallergic activity of its extract in mice was observed [56]. The alcoholic extract was evaluated and its efficacy to inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was found in mouse and rat [57].

4.6. Antiulcer Activity

Vijayakumar screened Momordica dioica extract mediated antiulcerogenic effect on ethanol-induced ulcer model of rat. A significant decrease occurred in the level of H+-K+ATPase, volume of gastric juice, and acid output. Gastric wall mucus, pH, and catalase enzyme were increased significantly but antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase were decreased [58]. Its gastroprotective and ulcer healing activities were also observed by Vijayakumar et al. [59].

4.7. Anticancer Activity

Luo et al. showed that the CHCl3 extract of roots and five isolated constituents had anticancer activity during pharmacological testing on cancer cell (L1210). The growth inhibitory index (%) of α-spinasterol-3-o-β-D-glucopyranoside was shown to be 50%, at the dose of 4 μg/mL [31].

4.8. Antimicrobial Activity

Shrinivas et al. studied methanolic extract and aqueous extract of fruit and found that methanolic extract had more promising antimicrobial activity [47]. Arekar et al. screened antibacterial activities of ethyl acetate extract. The concentration of 200 μg/disc was more active against E. coli compared to S. aureus, S. paratyphi, and P. mirabilis bacteria. Ethyl Acetate extract of in vitro shoot culture (yield: 0.26%) showed maximum inhibition zone against S. paratyphi and P. mirabilis while ethyl acetate extract of in vitro callus culture (yield: 21.5%) showed maximum inhibition zone against S. aureus [60]. On the other hand, Singh et al. found its no promising antimycobacterial activity [61].

4.9. Antidiabetic Activity

Antidiabetic specifically oral hypoglycemic effects of Momordica dioica in rat model was screened by Fernandopulle et al. [62]. Reddy et al. and Singh et al. showed aqueous, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of fruit mediated antidiabetic activity in alloxan induced experimental rats [63, 64]. Moreover, Sharma and Arya reported ethyl acetate and ethanol extract containing steroids, triterpenoids had potential role in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and broadly type 2 diabetes [65]. Gupta et al. investigated the antidiabetic and renal protective effect of Momordica dioica methanolic extract (MDMtE) in streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats. MDMtE treatment markedly reduced serum glucose and increased serum insulin and urea levels. Furthermore, histologic observation of kidney of diabetic rats showed degenerative changes in glomerulus and renal tubules [54].

4.10. Antimalarial Activity

Misra et al. screened alcoholic extract in vivo and in vitro for antimalarial effect against NK65 strain of Plasmodium berghei, Jurinea macrocephala, and Aegle marmelos and found them to possess schizontocidal activity [66].

4.11. Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The anti-inflammatory effect of the alcoholic extract of roots was evaluated during CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity [45]. Ilango et al. evaluated both hexane extract and methanolic extract of fruit pulp mediated anti-inflammatory activities [49].

4.12. Hepatoprotective and Antihepatotoxic Activity

CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity prevention of methanol extract of Momordica dioica was observed by Chaudhary et al. [67]. Although Govind reported the hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxicity effect of leaf, Kumar et al. specifically mentioned the role of aqueous and methanol extract of leaves against it [68, 69]. Jain et al. examined leaf as a potent hepatoprotective agent against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats by in vivo antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. They were positive for both ethanolic and aqueous extracts although ethanolic extract was found more potent hepatoprotective [48]. Kushwaha et al. evaluated the flavonoidal fraction from ethanolic extract of fruit mediated hepatoprotective activity in wistar strain of albino rats of either sex against CCl4 induced hepatic damage [70]. Rakh et al. reported that the alcoholic extract of roots significantly reduced CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats by inhibiting the formation of radicals in vitro [56]. The saponin fraction of Momordica dioica (27.5 and 55 mg/kg) administered to the CCl4 treated rats to protect the liver cells from liver damages on hepatocytes and silymarin (100 mg/kg), a well-known natural antihepatotoxic drug was used as standard [71]. The hexane extract and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of the fruit pulp at a dose of 400 mg/kg administered for 7 days in rat exhibited a significant therapeutic effect [72]. Sato et al. observed significant lowering of liver cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in rats. Fecal lipid excretion was increased and lymphatic transport of triacylglycerol and phospholipids were decreased in rats which were fed the kakrol after permanent lymph cannulation. Moreover, n-butanol extract caused a significant reduction in the pancreatic lipase activity in vitro and liver lipids by inhibiting lipid absorption [73].

4.13. Antifertility Activity

Shreedhar et al. reported the antifertility activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Momordica dioica root. The extracts showed moderate estrogenic activity and caused significant increase in uterine weight. Moreover, at a dose of 200 mg/kg, aqueous extract showed 83% and ethanolic extract showed 100% abortifacient activity [74]. Kudaravalli evaluated the ethanolic extract of fruit mediated antifertility activities of female rats but found no male antifertility activity at the dose of 250 mg/kg [75].

4.14. Antiedemic Activity

Shreedhara and Vaidya administered the alcoholic extract orally which significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema. The activity was compared with ibuprofen (200 mg/kg) [45].

4.15. Antifeedant, Insecticidal, Grain Protectant, and Allelopathic Activity

Mishra et al. reported the role of Momordica dioica seed oil as insecticide and found satisfactory level of natural insecticidal activity up to 100% mortality at 4% conc. in 24 hours. Moreover, its lower conc. up to 2% was found to be effective but for 100% mortality longer time was required. They suggested the presence of alkaloid momordicin in oil was responsible for it [76]. In another work, Mishra et al. evaluated its seed oil's potential as grain protectant against Callosobruchus chinensis upon the stored legume-pulse grain. It was applied as a dose of 6–8 mL/kg to legume pulse grain sample for 60 days. As a result, appeared degree of dehusking was increased (%) from 40.00 to 72.59, 59.88 to 92.44, 63.39 to 87.50 and 57.00 to 79.43 for Pigeon pea (Canjanas cajan), Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), Urdbean (Phaseolus mungo), Mungbean (Phaseolus radiatus), respectively [77]. Narasimhan et al. and Meriga et al. reported that the hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract of the fruit pulp had moderate and concentration dependent antifeedant activity against Spodoptera litura [78, 79]. Allelopathy refers to the chemical inhibition of one species by another by releasing chemicals into the environment where it affects the development and growth of neighboring plants. Ahire and Deokule observed the leaf extract of M. dioica mediated allelopathic activity on seedling growth as well as seed germination of P. aconitifolius and found major toxicity at a dose of 2.0% and 2.5% w/v of phytoextracts [80]. These above information are summarized in Table 3.

Table 3.

Pharmacological evaluation of Momordica dioica described in the paper.

Pharmacological activity Part of plant Extract/preparation Detail effect Reference
Antioxidant activity Root Alcoholic extract Inhibited the formation of oxygen derived free radicals (ODFR) in vitro with 4000 μg/mL ascorbic system. [45]
Root Ethanol extract DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, iron chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity and haemoglobin glycosylation assay were studied. Total antioxidant capacity was 26 µg/mL equivalents to ascorbic acid. [46]
Fruit Methanol, aqueous extract Found the presence of phenolic compound, flavonoids, sterol, alkaloids and amino acids. [47]
Leaf Ethanol, aqueous extracts The presence of flavonoids was reported as a potent antioxidant [48]
Analgesic activity Fruit Hexane, methanol extract Exhibited analgesic activity when compared to standard drug [49]
Fruit Petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate extract Petroleum ether and methanol extract gave more significant analgesic activity than ethyl acetate extract. [51]
Nephroprotective activity Seed Ethanol extract Found marked nephroprotective and curative activities without any toxicity caused by nephrotoxin-like gentamicin. [52]
Fruit Ethanol extract Observed significant reduction in GSH and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) production. [53]
Neuroprotective activity Fruit Methanol and aqueous extract Methanol and aqueous extract of fruit pulp (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) had neuroprotective activities. [55]
Antiallergic activities Seed Alcoholic extract The antiallergic activity of extract in mice was observed. [56]
Not specified Alcoholic extract Found its efficacy to inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mouse and rat. [57]
Antiulcer activity Fruit Ethanol extract Decreased the level of H+-K+ATPase, volume of gastric juice, and acid output. Gastric wall mucus, pH and catalase enzyme were increased significantly. Antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase were decreased. [58]
Fruit Hydro alcohol extract Gastroprotective and ulcer healing activities were observed. [59]
Anticancer activity Root Methanol extract The growth inhibitory index (%) of α-spinasterol-3-o-β-D-glucopyranoside was shown to be 50%, at the dose of 4 µg/mL while testing on cancer cell (L1210). [31]
Antimicrobial activity Fruit Methanol, aqueous extract Found methanolic extract had more promising antimicrobial activity. [47]
Root, Leaf Ethyl acetate extract The concentration of 200 μg/disc was more active against E. coli compared to,  S. paratyphi, and P. mirabilis bacteria. [60]
Antidiabetic activity Fruit Aqueous extract Oral hypoglycemic effect of Momordica dioica in rat model was screened. [62]
Fruit Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and alcohol extract Ethyl acetate and ethanol showed significant antidiabetic activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg. [63]
Fruit Aqueous, hexane, chloroform, and ethanol extract Aqueous extract showed maximum fall (52.8%) in 0 to 1 h fasting blood glucose in glucose tolerance test compared to hexane (39%), chloroform (37.2%), and ethanol (37.7%) extract in normal healthy rats. [64]
Not specified Ethyl acetate and ethanol extract Screened potential role in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and broadly type 2 diabetes. [65]
Fruit Methanol extract Markedly reduced serum glucose and increased serum insulin and urea levels. [54]
Antimalarial activity Not specified Alcoholic extract Misra screened extract in vivo and in vitro against NK65 strain of Plasmodium berghei, Jurinea macrocephala, Aegle marmelos and found to possess schizontocidal activity. [66]
Anti-inflammatory activity Root Alcoholic extract Significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema when administered orally (200 mg/kg) and the activity was comparable with ibuprofen (200 mg/kg, p.o.) [45]
Fruit Hexane, methanol extract. Both extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory activities when compared to standard drug [49]
Hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxic activity Root Ethanol extract Prevented CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity at a dose of 200 mg/kg [67]
Leaf Aqueous, methanol extract Reported hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxicity effect of leaf. [68, 69]
Fruit Ethanol extract Evaluated hepatoprotective activity in wistar strain of albino rats of either sex against CCl4 induced hepatic damage. [70]
Leaf Ethanol, aqueous extracts Ethanol extract was found more potent hepatoprotective against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats by in vivo free radical scavenging activities. [48]
Root Alcohol extract Reduced CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats by inhibiting the formation of radicals in vitro with ascorbic system. [56]
Fruit Methanol extract The saponin fraction of Momordica dioica (27.5 and 55 mg/kg) administered to the CCl4 treated rats to protect the liver cells from liver damages on hepatocytes and silymarin (100 mg/kg). [71]
Fruit Methanol extract Exhibited a significant therapeutic effect at a dose of 400 mg/kg administered for 7 days in rat. [72]
Fruit n-butanol extract Observed significant lowering of liver cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in rats. Moreover, n-butanol extract caused a significant reduction in the pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. [73]
Antifertility activity Root Ethanol, aqueous extract Found moderate estrogenic activity including significant increase in uterine weight and abortifacient activity. [74]
Fruit Ethanolic extract Found antifertility activities of female rats but no male antifertility activity at the dose of 250 mg/kg [75]
Antiedemic activity Root Alcoholic extract Showed significant reduction of carrageenan-induced paw edema. [45]
Insecticidal activity Seed Seed oil Alkaloid momordicin in seed oil was responsible for 100% mortality at 4% conc. in 24 hours. [76]
Grain protectant activity Seed Seed oil Seed oil was grain protectant against Callosobruchus chinensis [77]
Antifeedant activity Fruit Hexane and ethyl acetate extract Showed antifeedant activity against Spodoptera litura [78, 79]
Allelopathic activity Leaf Aqueous extract Leaf extract has allelopathic activity on seedling growth and seed germination of P. aconitifolius [80]
Open in a new tab

5. Conclusion

The traditional use of medicinal plants has a long history. Ancient people as well as our ancestors were mainly dependent on plants for their recovery against diseases. But, the recent tendency to avoid natural sources rather than artificial sources against disease is frustrating. Because continuous reports of antibiotic resistance as well as the side effects of synthetic drugs all over the world are indicating a global health alert. The higher occurrence rate of worldwide diabetes, cancer, obesity, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases becomes alarming to all. Huge researches are carried out to find the causes and remedies of them. Therefore, to search for a better alternative than synthetic drug becomes the demand of time.

Medicinal plants may be a good option to play pivotal role against such complications. But, before that their previous use and curability should be justified. Medicinal plants are the source of enormous secondary metabolites. The diverse role of secondary metabolites may provide a key of the door of undiscovered remedy against diseases. In that case, long term research on medicinal plant is essential to justify their potential. Moreover, the use of medicinal plants is important for its ecofriendly significance as well as its fewer side effects than other synthetic drugs. Additionally, it will be comparatively safer and cheaper than man-made drugs formulation.

South Asia, as one of the highest sources of medicinal plant in the world, provides enormous medicinal plants including kakrol, having several significant folk uses but not clinically evaluated till now. Therefore, vast chances have been created to justify the dynamic ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutical roles of several plants for future researchers. This paper has mainly focused on the phytotherapeutical and pharmacological potential of Momordica dioica. As it contains significant amount of antioxidant, vitamin, secondary metabolites, and other important ingredients, these may be helpful to fight against several diseases including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, ethyl acetate and ethanol extract of kakrol containing steroids, tritepenoids etc. have potential role in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and broadly type 2 diabetes. Similarly, methanol and aqueous extract of its fruit pulp have neuroprotective activities.

Therefore, this paper will be fruitful if it stimulates the researcher's emphasis to justify the unrevealed but potential therapeutic properties of Momordica dioica against diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and other life threatening disorders.

Acknowledgment

This paper was gratefully supported by Biomedical Research Unit, School of Science, Primeasia University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests in this paper.

References

  • 1.Bharathi LK, Munshi AD, Chandrashekaran S, Behera TK, Das AB, John KJ. Cytotaxonomical analysis of Momordica L. (Cucurbitaceae) species of Indian occurrence. Journal of Genetics. 2011;90(1):21–30. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Raj NM, Prasanna KP, Peter KV. Momordica spp. In: Kallo G, Bergh BO, editors. Genetic Improvement of Vegetables Crops. Oxford, UK: Pergamon Press; 1993. pp. 239–243. [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Joseph JK. Studies on ecogeography and genetic diversity of the genus Momordica L. in India [Ph.D. thesis] Kottayam, India: Department of Botany, Mahatma Gandhi University; 2005. [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Rashid MM. Bangladeshi Shabjee. 1st edition. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangla academy; 1976. [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Hooker JD. The Flora of British India. Vol. 2. Kent, UK: Reeve Co; 1961. [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Ram D, Kalloo G, Banerjee MK. Popularizing kakrol and kartoli: the indigenous nutritious vegetables. Indian Horticulture. 2002;6(9):p. 11. [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Trivedi RN, Roy RP. Cytological studies in some species of Momordica. Genetica. 1972;43(2):282–291. [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Rai GK, Singh M, Rai NP, Bhardwaj DR, Kumar S. In vitro propagation of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) and assessment of genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants using RAPD analysis. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants. 2012;18(3):273–280. doi: 10.1007/s12298-012-0109-7. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Shekhawat MS, Shekhawat NS, Harish K, Phulwaria M, Gupta AK. High frequency plantlet regeneration from nodal segment culture of female Momordica dioica (Roxb.) Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology. 2011;14(2):133–137. [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Singh H. Importance of local names of some useful plants in ethnobotanical study. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 2008;7(2):365–370. [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Sastri SN. The Wealth of India-Raw Materials. New Delhi, India: CSIR; 1962. [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Bandyopadhyay S, Mukherjee SK. Wild edible plants of Koch Bihar district. Natural Product Radiance. 2009;8(1):64–72. [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Zuberi MI, Bishwas A. Biodiversity degradation in Bangladesh: wild kakrol (Momordica dioica Roxb.) an endangered species. Asia Pacific Journal of Environmental Development (Bangladesh) 1998;5(1):66–74. [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Aberoumand A. Screening of less known two food plants for comparison of nutrient contents: Iranian and Indian vegetables. Functional Foods in Health and Disease. 2011;10:416–423. [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Singh D, Bahadur V, Singh DB, Ghosh G. Spine gourd (Momordica dioica): an underutilized vegetable with high nutritional and medicinal values. ISHS Acta Horticulturae. 2009;809:241–248. [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Ali A, Deokule SS. Comparison of phenolic compounds of some edible plants of Iran and India. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 2008;8:26–31. [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Maharana T, Tripathy P. Agrotechniques of Momordica dioica growing spine gourd in pots. Indian Horticulture. 1996:16–17. [Google Scholar]
  • 18.Ram D, Banerjee MK, Pandey S, Srivastava U. Collection and evaluation of Kartoli (Momordica dioica Roxb. Ex. Willd) Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resource. 2001;14:114–116. [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Bharathi LK, Naik G, Singh HS, Dora DK, Peter KV. Spine gourd. In: Peter KV, editor. Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops. New Delhi, India: New India Publishing; 2007. pp. 289–295. [Google Scholar]
  • 20.National Plant Data Center. NRCS, USDA, Baton Rouge, La, USA, http://plants.usda.gov/
  • 21.Tirmizi SA, Wattoo MHS, Mazhar M, Wattoo FH, Memon AN, Iqbal J. Analytical investigation of chromium and zinc in sweet, sour and bitter tasting fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. Quimica Nova. 2007;30(7):1573–1577. [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Ghosh A. Mechanism of monocarpic senescence of Momordica dioica: source-sink regulation by reproductive organs. Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research. 2005;48(1):55–56. [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Bhuiya MRH, Habib AKMA, Rashid MM. Content and loss of vitamin C in vegetables during storage and cooking. Bangladesh Horticulture. 1977;5:1–6. [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Rao MK. Flora of Maharashtra State, Dicotyledons. 2001;2 [Google Scholar]
  • 25.Kumara KN, Bulugahapitiya VP. A preliminary chemical study on secondary metabolites present in fruits of Momordica dioica (Thumbakariwila). Proceedings of the 2nd Academic Sessions; 2004; p. p. 96. [Google Scholar]
  • 26.Jian CC, Ming HC, Rui LN, Cordel GA, Qiuz SX. Cucurbitacins and cucurbitane glycosides: structures and biological activities. Natural Product Reports. 2005;22(3):386–399. doi: 10.1039/b418841c. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27.Ali M, Srivastava V. Characterization of Phytoconstituents of the Fruits of Momordica dioica. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1998;60(5):287–289. [Google Scholar]
  • 28.Sadyojatha AM, Vaidya VP. Chemical constituents of the roots of momordica dioica roxb. Indian Drugs. 1996;33(9):473–475. [Google Scholar]
  • 29.Ghosh BN, Dasgupta B, Sircar PK. Purification of lectin from a tropical plant Momordica dioica Roxb. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 1981;19(3):253–255. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 30.Joshi SR, Vasantha K, Robb JS. An unusual anti-H lectin inhibited by milk from individuals with the Bombay phenotype. Immunohematology. 2005;21(1):1–4. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 31.Luo L, Li Z, Zhang Y, Huang R. Triterpenes and steroidal compounds from Momordica dioica. Yaoxue Xuebao. 1998;33(11):839–842. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 32.Luo L, Li Z. Two new triterpenes of ursolic acids from momordica dioica. Acta Botanica Yunnanica. 1997;19(3):1–3. [Google Scholar]
  • 33.Nadkarni AK. Indian Materia Medica. Vol. 1. Mumbai, India: Popular Prakashan; 2007. [Google Scholar]
  • 34.Publication and Information Directorate. The Wealth of India. First Supplement Series, NISCIR. Vol. 4. New Delhi, India: CSIR; 1962. [Google Scholar]
  • 35.Kirtikar KR, Basu BD. Indian Medicinal Plants. Vol. 2. Dehradun, India: International Book Distributors; 1999. [Google Scholar]
  • 36.Satyavati GV, Gupta AK, Tandon N. Medicinal plants of India. Vol. 2. New Delhi, India: ICMR; 1987. [Google Scholar]
  • 37.Kirtikar KR, Basu BD. Indian Medicinal Plants. Vol. 2. Allahabad, India: Lalit Mohan Basu; 1981. [Google Scholar]
  • 38.Satyavati GV, Raina MK, Sharma M. Medicinal Plants of India. Vol. 1. New Delhi, India: ICMR; 1987. [Google Scholar]
  • 39.Anjaria J, Parabia M, Bhatt G, Khamar R. Natural Heals: A Glossary of Selected Indigenous Medicinal Plants of India. 2 edition. Ahamedabad, India: Sristi Innovations; 2002. [Google Scholar]
  • 40.Sharma GK. Medical ethnobotany in the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science. 2004;7:12–16. [Google Scholar]
  • 41.Sharma MC, Joshi C. Plants used in skin diseases of animals. Natural Product Radiance. 2004;3(4):p. 294. [Google Scholar]
  • 42.Jadeja BA, Odedra NK, Odedra KR. Herbal remedies used for haemorrhoids by tribals of Saurashtra, Gujarat. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 2006;5(3):348–352. [Google Scholar]
  • 43.Oudhia P. Ankol (Alangium) based Indigenous Herbal Medicines for Bleeding Piles (Hemorrhoids): Pankaj Oudhias Medicinal Plant Database, http://www.pankajoudhia.com/
  • 44.Chanda S, Dave R. In vitro models for antioxidant activity evaluation and some medicinal plants possessing antioxidant properties: an overview. African Journal of Microbiology Research. 2001;3(13):981–996. [Google Scholar]
  • 45.Shreedhara CS, Vaidya VP. Screening of Momordica dioica for hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities. Natural Product Sciences. 2006;12(3):157–161. [Google Scholar]
  • 46.Shreedhara CS, Aswatha Ram HN, Zanwar SB, Gajera FP. In vitro antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Momordica dioica Roxb (Cucurbitaceae) Pharmacologyonline. 2011;3:622–633. [Google Scholar]
  • 47.Shrinivas B, Anil S, Parera M, Saxena M. Evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Momordica dioica Roxb. (Ex Willd) Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2009;2(6):1075–1078. [Google Scholar]
  • 48.Jain A, Soni M, Deb L, et al. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Momordica dioica Roxb. leaves. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2008;115(1):61–66. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.009. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 49.Ilango K, Maharajan G, Narasimhan S. Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Momordica dioica Fruit Pulp. Natural Product Sciences. 2003;9(4):210–212. [Google Scholar]
  • 50.Vaidya VP, Shreedhara CS. Medicinal values of the root of Momordica dioica (Cucurbitaceae). Proceedings of the 1st National Interactive Meet on Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CIMAP 03); 2003; Lucknow, India. pp. 278–281. [Google Scholar]
  • 51.Rakh MS, Chaudhari SR. Evaluation of analgesic activity of momordica dioica roxb. Willd fruit pulp. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. 2010;1(9):53–56. [Google Scholar]
  • 52.Jain A, Singhai AK. Effect of Momordica dioica Roxb on gentamicin model of acute renal failure. Natural Product Research. 2010;24(15):1379–1389. doi: 10.1080/14786410802267569. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 53.Jain A, Singhai AK. Nephroprotective activity of Momordica dioica Roxb. in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Natural Product Research. 2010;24(9):846–854. doi: 10.1080/14786410903132589. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 54.Gupta R, Katariya P, Mathur M, et al. Antidiabetic and renoprotective activity of Momordica dioica in diabetic rats. Diabetologia Croatica. 2011;40(3):81–88. [Google Scholar]
  • 55.Rakh MS, Chaudhari SR. Evaluation of CNS depressant activity of Momordica dioica Roxb willd fruit pulp. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2010;2(supplement 4):124–126. [Google Scholar]
  • 56.Rakh MS, Khedkar AN, Aghav NN, Chaudhari SR. Antiallergic and analgesic activity of Momordica dioica Roxb. Willd fruit seed. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012;2(supplement 1):S192–S196. [Google Scholar]
  • 57.Gupta PP, Srimal RC, Tandon JS. Antiallergic activity of some traditional Indian medicinal plants. International Journal of Pharmacognosy. 1993;31(1):15–18. [Google Scholar]
  • 58.Fernandopulle BMR, Ratnasooriya WD, Karunanayake EH. Evaluation of two cucurbits (Genus: Momordica) for gastroprotective and ulcer healing activity in rats. Medical Science Research. 1996;24(2):85–88. [Google Scholar]
  • 59.Vijayakumar M, Eswaran MB, Ojha SK, Rao CV, Rawat AKS. Antiulcer activity of hydroalchol extract of Momordica dioica roxb. fruit. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011;73(5):572–577. doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.99018. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 60.Arekar JA, Arekar AR, Paratkar GT. Screening of antibacterial activity of flavonoid fractions of Momordica dioica, Roxb. Global Journal of Bio-Science and Biotechnology. 2013;2(2):235–237. [Google Scholar]
  • 61.Singh R, Hussain S, Verma R, Sharma P. Anti-mycobacterial screening of five Indian medicinal plants and partial purification of active extracts of Cassia sophera and Urtica dioica. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2013;6(5):366–371. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(13)60040-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 62.Fernandopulle BMR, Karunanayake EH, Ratnasooriya WD. Oral hypoglycaemic effects of Momordica dioica in the rat. Medical Science Research. 1994;22(2):137–139. [Google Scholar]
  • 63.Reddy GT, Kumar BR, Mohan GK. Anithyperglycemic activity of Momordica dioica fruits in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine. 2005;9:33–34. [Google Scholar]
  • 64.Singh R, Seherawat A, Sharma P. Hypoglycemic, antidiabetic and toxicological evaluation of Momordica dioica fruit extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2011;6(5):454–467. [Google Scholar]
  • 65.Sharma R, Arya V. A review on fruits having anti-diabetic potential. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. 2011;3(2):204–212. [Google Scholar]
  • 66.Misra P, Pal NL, Guru PY, Katiyar JC, Tandon JS. Antimalarial activity of traditional plants against erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium berghei. International Journal of Pharmacognosy. 1991;29(1):19–23. [Google Scholar]
  • 67.Chaudhary GD, Kamboj P, Singh I, Kalia AN. Herbs as liver savers—a review. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources. 2010;1(4):397–408. [Google Scholar]
  • 68.Govind P. Medicinal plants against liver diseases. International Research Journal of Pharmacy. 2011;2(5):115–121. [Google Scholar]
  • 69.Kumar C, Ramesh A, Suresh Kumar JN, Mohammed IB. A review on hepatoprotective activity of medicinal plants. International Journal of Pharmaceuticl Science and Research. 2011;2(3):501–515. [Google Scholar]
  • 70.Kushwaha SK, Jain A, Gupta VB, Patel JR. Hepatoprotective activity of the fruits of Momordica dioica. Nigerian Journal of Natural Product and Medicine. 2005;9:29–31. [Google Scholar]
  • 71.Firdous SM, Koneri R, Haldar P, Burdipad G. Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of saponin of Momordica dioica roxb. Against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injury in rats. Pharmacologyonline. 2008;3:487–494. [Google Scholar]
  • 72.Ilango K, Maharajan G, Narasimhan S. Anti-hepatotoxic activity of Fruit pulp of Momordica dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine. 2004;4(1):44–48. [Google Scholar]
  • 73.Sato M, Ueda T, Nagata K, et al. Dietary kakrol (Momordica dioica Roxb.) flesh inhibits triacylglycerol absorption and lowers the risk for development of fatty liver in rats. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2011;236(10):1139–1146. doi: 10.1258/ebm.2011.011037. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 74.Shreedhara CS, Pai KSR, Vaidya VP. Postcoital antifertility activity of the root of momordica dioica roxb. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2001;63(6):528–531. [Google Scholar]
  • 75.Kudaravalli M. Screening of anti fertility activity of momordica dioica, roxb in male and female rats [M.S. thesis] Bangalore, India: Department of Pharmacology, V.I.P.S; 2006. [Google Scholar]
  • 76.Mishra D, Shukla AK, Dubey AK, Dixit AK, Singh K. Insecticidal Activity of Vegetable Oils against Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt., under Field Condition. Journal of Oleo Science. 2006;55:227–231. [Google Scholar]
  • 77.Mishra D, Shukla AK, Tripathi KK, Singh A, Dixit AK, Singh K. Efficacy of application of vegetable seed oils as grain protectant against infestation by Callosobruchus chinensis and its effect on milling fractions and apparent degree of dehusking of legume-pulses. Journal of Oleo Science. 2006;56(1):1–7. doi: 10.5650/jos.56.1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 78.Narasimhan S, Kannan S, Ilango K, Maharajan G. Antifeedant activity of Momordica dioica fruit pulp extracts on Spodoptera litura . Fitoterapia. 2005;76(7-8):715–717. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2005.07.001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 79.Meriga B, Mopuri R, MuraliKrishna T. Insecticidal, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bulb extracts of Allium sativum . Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2012;5(5):391–395. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60065-0. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 80.Ahire YR, Deokule SS. Screening of allelopathic activity of momordica dioica and mukia maderaspatana. Research & Reviews. 2012;1(3):15–21. [Google Scholar]

Articles from Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM are provided here courtesy of Wiley

RESOURCES