Momordica cochinchinensis

Common Names: balsampear

Ethnobotanical Studies

Studies

Development of semisynthetic saponin immunostimulants.

Summary

Extensive structure-activity-relationship studies on natural saponins reveal that replacing ester side chains with amide side chains could generate potent immunostimulants. This research led to the discovery of VSA-1 and VSA-2, which could offer new options for immunostimulatory adjuvants.

Review Phytochemistry
Bai D, Kim H and Wang P (2024).
Med Chem Res.
DOI:
10.1007/s00044-024-03227-x
PubMed:
39132259

Optimization of Extraction Conditions from Gac Fruit and Utilization of Peel-Derived Biochar for Crystal Violet Dye Removal.

Nguyen NT et al (2024).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules29143435
PubMed:
39065013

Modulation of gut microbiota by crude gac aril polysaccharides ameliorates diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders.

Summary

Gac fruit polysaccharides (GAP) reduce obesity in mice by improving metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, gut microbiota, and liver steatosis. Potential for treating obesity-related disorders.

GastroenterologyObesity
Lu TJ et al (2024).
Int J Biol Macromol.
DOI:
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133164
PubMed:
38878919

Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac) Aril Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Summary

Gac aril's carotenoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Use in lab for potential health benefits and disease treatment.

CancerGastroenterology
Praphasawat R et al (2024).
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev.
DOI:
10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1579
PubMed:
38809629

Brain acetylcholinesterase activity and the protective effect of Gac fruit on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in adult zebrafish.

Summary

Researchers tested Gac fruit extract on zebrafish and found improved memory performance and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity. This suggests the extract may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Neuroscience
Singsai K, Saksit N and Chaikhumwang P (2024).
IBRO Neurosci Rep.
DOI:
10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.02.004
PubMed:
38435743

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Drug-Conjugated Cell-Penetrating Peptides.

Ivánczi M et al (2023).
Pharmaceuticals (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/ph16091251
PubMed:
37765059

Optimized multiherbal combination and in vivo anti-skin aging potential: a randomized double blind placebo controlled study.

Poomanee W et al (2023).
Sci Rep.
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-023-32738-7
PubMed:
37024608

Momordica cochinchinensis (Gấc) Seed Extracts Induce Apoptosis and Necrosis in Melanoma Cells.

Nguyen D et al (2023).
Pharmaceuticals (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/ph16010100
PubMed:
36678596

Selected Seeds as Sources of Bioactive Compounds with Diverse Biological Activities.

Review
Sławińska N and Olas B (2022).
Nutrients.
DOI:
10.3390/nu15010187
PubMed:
36615843

Sonicated Extract from the Aril of Momordica Cochinchinensis Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration in Aggressive Prostate Cancer Cells.

Cancer
Chainumnim S et al (2022).
J Toxicol.
DOI:
10.1155/2022/1149856
PubMed:
36605288

Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Gac Leaf (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng.) to Salinity Stress.

Jumpa T et al (2022).
Plants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/plants11192447
PubMed:
36235312

Effects of Momordica cochinchinensis Aril Extract on Sterilized Low-Fat Milk, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities.

CancerImmunology
Anunthawan T et al (2022).
Int J Food Sci.
DOI:
10.1155/2022/7934454
PubMed:
35252438

Stem Extract from Momordica cochinchinensis Induces Apoptosis in Chemoresistant Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3).

Cancer
Chainumnim S et al (2022).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules27041313
PubMed:
35209099

Anticancer Activity and Molecular Mechanism of Momordica cochinchinensis Seed Extract in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

Cancer
Ai Z et al (2022).
Nutr Cancer.
DOI:
10.1080/01635581.2021.2014904
PubMed:
34907814

Momordica cochinchinensis Aril Ameliorates Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Gastroenterology
Huang HC et al (2021).
Int J Mol Sci.
DOI:
10.3390/ijms22052640
PubMed:
33808007

Anticancer activity of Momordica cochinchinensis (red gac) aril and the impact of varietal diversity.

Cancer
Wimalasiri D et al (2020).
BMC Complement Med Ther.
DOI:
10.1186/s12906-020-03122-z
PubMed:
33238969

Behind the Myth of the Fruit of Heaven, a Critical Review on Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Contribution to Nutrition.

Review
Phan-Thi H and Waché Y (2019).
Curr Med Chem.
DOI:
10.2174/0929867326666190705154723
PubMed:
31284852