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Therapeutic Potential of Momordicine I from Momordica charantia: Cardiovascular Benefits and Mechanisms
by
Pai-Feng Kao
Pai-Feng Kao 1,†,
Chun-Han Cheng
Chun-Han Cheng 2,
Tzu-Hurng Cheng
Tzu-Hurng Cheng 3,†,
Ju-Chi Liu
Ju-Chi Liu 1,4,5 and
Li-Chin Sung
Li-Chin Sung 1,4,5,*
1
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
2
Department of Medical Education, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
3
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City 404333, Taiwan
4
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11002, Taiwan
5
Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11002, Taiwan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910518 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 8 September 2024
/
Revised: 27 September 2024
/
Accepted: 28 September 2024
/
Published: 29 September 2024
Abstract
Momordica charantia (bitter melon), a traditional medicinal plant, has been demonstrated to have potential in managing diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and infections. Among its bioactive compounds, momordicine I, a cucurbitane-type triterpenoid, has attracted attention due to its substantial biological activities. Preclinical studies have indicated that momordicine I possesses antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and antioxidative properties, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases. Its mechanisms of action include modulating insulin signaling, inhibiting inflammatory pathways, and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. The proposed mechanistic pathways through which momordicine I exerts its cardiovascular benefits are via the modulation of nitric oxide, angiotensin-converting enzymes, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt), oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of momordicine I are pivotal. Momordicine I might reduce inflammation through the following mechanisms: inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing adhesion molecules expression, suppressing NF-κB activation, modulating the Nrf2 pathway and suppressing c-Met/STAT3 pathway. However, its therapeutic use requires the careful consideration of potential side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms of momordicine I, validating its efficacy and safety through clinical trials, and exploring its pharmacokinetics. If proven effective, momordicine I could considerably affect clinical cardiology by acting as a novel adjunct or alternative therapy for cardiovascular diseases. To date, no review article has been published on the role of bitter-melon bioactive metabolites in cardiovascular prevention and therapy. The present work constitutes a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the literature, which highlights the promising therapeutic potential of momordicine I on the cardiovascular system and discusses future research recommendations.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Kao, P.-F.; Cheng, C.-H.; Cheng, T.-H.; Liu, J.-C.; Sung, L.-C.
Therapeutic Potential of Momordicine I from Momordica charantia: Cardiovascular Benefits and Mechanisms. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 10518.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910518
AMA Style
Kao P-F, Cheng C-H, Cheng T-H, Liu J-C, Sung L-C.
Therapeutic Potential of Momordicine I from Momordica charantia: Cardiovascular Benefits and Mechanisms. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024; 25(19):10518.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910518
Chicago/Turabian Style
Kao, Pai-Feng, Chun-Han Cheng, Tzu-Hurng Cheng, Ju-Chi Liu, and Li-Chin Sung.
2024. "Therapeutic Potential of Momordicine I from Momordica charantia: Cardiovascular Benefits and Mechanisms" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25, no. 19: 10518.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910518
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