Open Access
Article
Unveiling the Bioactive Phytochemicals of Momordica charantia Leaves and Their Antibacterial Effects
Muhammad Shehu Giwa1
Basira Ibrahim1
Fatima Musa1
Emad M. Abdallah2, 3, *
Author Information
Submitted: 21 Sept 2024 | Revised: 9 Oct 2024 | Accepted: 11 Oct 2024 | Published: 16 Oct 2024

Abstract

Momordica charantia is widely cultivated in Zaria, Nigeria, and holds a prominent place in traditional medicine. Its leaves, fruits, and seeds are known to be rich in bioactive compounds and are commonly employed to treat various infections and diseases. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive components and antibacterial properties of methanolic leaf extracts and their fractions. Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. The methanolic extract was fractionated into n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fractions. The methanolic extract exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to its fractions, suggesting potential synergistic effects among the plant’s constituents. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using well-diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Salmonella typhi was the most susceptible bacterium, with zones of inhibition of 25.00 ± 0.10 mm, MIC of 12.5 ± 0.82 mg/mL, and MBC of 50 ± 0.22 mg/mL. This was followed by Escherichia coli (18.77 ± 0.25 mm, MIC: 50 ± 0.53 mg/mL, MBC: 100 ± 0.82 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (14.13 ± 0.91 mm, MIC: 50 ± 0.23 mg/mL, MBC: 100 ± 0.48 mg/mL). Among the fractions, the n-butanol fraction demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity. Subsequent analysis of this fraction using GC-MS identified key compounds, including 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-, n-amyl isovalerate, 2(5H)-furanone, 3,5,5-trimethyl-, furan, tetrahydro-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-, and 3-tetradecanol acetate. In conclusion, the methanolic extract followed by n-butanol fraction of M. charantia exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria such as S. typhi and E. coli. Further research is recommended to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity.

References

Share this article:
Graphical Abstract
How to Cite
Giwa, M. S., Ibrahim, B., Musa, F., & Abdallah, E. M. (2024). Unveiling the Bioactive Phytochemicals of Momordica charantia Leaves and Their Antibacterial Effects. Journal of Medicinal Natural Products, 1(1), 100006. https://doi.org/10.53941/jmnp.2024.100006
RIS
BibTex
Copyright & License
article copyright Image
Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors.
scilight logo

About Scilight

Contact Us

Suite 4002 Level 4, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
General Inquiries: info@sciltp.com
© 2025 Scilight Press Pty Ltd All rights reserved.