Momordicin I Explained

Momordicin I, or 3,7,23-trihydroxycucurbitan-5,24-dien-19-al, is a chemical compound found in the leaves of the bitter melon vine (Momordica charantia), possibly responsible for its reputed medicinal properties.

The compound was isolated and characterized in 1984 by M. Yasuda and others ^[1] It is a white crystalline solid with formula, that melts at 125–128 °C.^[2]

The compound can be extracted from ground dry leaves by dichloromethane. It is insoluble in water and soluble in methanol.^[2]

A related glycoside, momordicoside, occurs in the unripe fruit.^{[2] [3]}

See also

• Momordicin-28
• Momordicinin
• Momordicilin
• Momordenol
• Momordol

Notes and References

1. M. Yasuda, M. Iwamoto, H. Okabe, and T. Yamauchi (1984), A New Cucurbitane Triterpenoid From Momordica charantia, Chem. Pharm. Bull. volume 32, issue 6, pages 2044-2049
2. N. M. Puspawati (2008), Isolation and Identification of Momordicin I from leaves extract of Momordica charantia L. . Jurnal Kimia, volume 2, issue 1, pages 53-56
3. H. Okabe, Y. Miyahara, and T. Yamauci (1982), Studies on the Constituents of Momordica charantia L. Chem. Pharm. Bull., volume 30, issue 12, pages 4334-4340