Survey of botanical characteristics and preliminary chemical composition of forest bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) grown in An Giang

Abstract

Momordica charantia L. species, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, has long been chosen by humans as an essential food source because it contains many nutrients that are good for health. According to Oriental medicine, wild bitter melon has cold properties, a bitter taste, and is non-toxic. If used regularly, it will help reduce skin diseases and is widely used in folk medicine to control blood glucose. According to modern medicine, M. charantia has the effect of killing bacteria and viruses and fighting cancer cells. This is a potential medicinal herb, so the project uses the whole M. charantia tree collected in Phu Lam Commune, Phu Tan District, An Giang Province to analyze and describe the morphological and anatomical characteristics, and the medicinal powder. Data and preliminary investigation of chemical composition using improved Ciuley method. The results showed that the forest bitter melon tree was identified based on morphology along with anatomical data, microbiology, medicinal powder and preliminary chemical composition of the whole tree above ground. Based on the results of morphology, anatomy, medicinal powder, and preliminary chemical composition, it can support the identification and accurate testing of medicinal herbs when used.