Momordica charantia Schaefer Leaf Extract Antibacterial Efficacy, Phytochemical Screening, and Toxicological Studies

Abstract

Momordica charantia, also known as Bitter melon or Bitter gourd, is a Cucurbitaceae plant that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas. It has a wide range of applications, including antibacterial, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, and antioxidant. Momordica charantia's antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis using standard techniques. Antibacterial activity was tested using agar-well diffusion techniques. The results showed that ethanol and n-hexane extracts inhibited the growth of all of the bacteria tested at a dosage of 100 mg/ml, although with different susceptibility. The diameter of zones of inhibition obtained ranged from 10mm -15.1mm and 8.2mm - 14 mm for ethanol and n-hexane extracts respectively. For both ethanol and n hexane extracts, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 30 to 40 mg/ml. For both ethanol and n-hexane extracts, the minimum bacteriocidal concentrations varied from 30 to 40 mg/ml. Tannin, saponin, alkaloids, and polyphenol were found in the phytochemical screening results. The histology of the liver and large intestine of the seemingly healthy albino rats fed the leaf extract was normal. Momordica charantia may be utilised to treat infections and disorders caused by these bacteria, according to the findings of this study.