INTRODUCTION:

Momordica dioica is a nutritionally important vegetable with significant medicinal value. Herbal medicines have been used since ancient times, as supported by historical evidence, and continue to play an essential role in daily healthcare. They are also known as herbalism or phytotherapy, involves the use of plant-based products for disease management. These remedies are widely employed in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, and renal disorders.¹Herbal drugs are plant-derived medicinal products used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. They are widely incorporated in traditional systems such as Ayurveda, and their safety and quality are guided by standards from the World Health Organization. Herbal medicines exhibit multiple pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects, and require proper standardization to ensure safety and efficacy.^2,3Momordica dioica, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, alternatively known as gourd family is an edible fruit traditionally used for both dietary and medicinal purposes and continues to hold relevance in modern nutrition and therapy. The Cucurbitaceae family comprises approximately 80 genera, including Trichosanthes (100 species), Cayaponia (60 species), Momordica (47 species), Gurania (40 species), Sicyos (40 species), and Cucumis (34 species), many of which are valued for their nutritional and pharmacological properties.⁴ Despite its considerable nutritional and medicinal potential, this plant remains underexplored and underutilized, emphasizing the need for detailed scientific investigations to substantiate its pharmacological efficacy.⁵The Cucurbitaceae family s characterized by the presence of bioactive compounds such as cucurbitacins a bitter natured constituent which contribute significantly to its diverse pharmacological properties and medicinal relevance.⁶Momordica dioica is traditionally valued for its astringent, antipyretic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and analgesic properties. Studies also show that its fruit exhibits antidiabetic, anticancer, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities.⁷

Momordica dioica is known by different vernacular names across India, reflecting its wide geographical distribution and traditional importance. It is commonly referred to as spine gourd or teasel gourd in English, Kakora or Kantola in Hindi, and Vahisi in Sanskrit. In southern India, it is called Paluppakkay (Tamil), Venpaval (Malayalam), and Madahagala-Kaya (Kannada), while eastern and western regions recognize it as Kartoli (Bengali) and Katwal (Gujarati). The presence of multiple regional names highlights its extensive use as a culinary and medicinal plant.⁴

Geographical Distribution:

The genus Momordica is believed to have originated in the Indo-Malayan region but is now widely cultivated and naturalized across several countries, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, tropical Africa, and South America. In India, it grows at elevations up to 1500 meters, particularly in Assam and the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

M. dioica is a medium-sized plant predominantly distributed across tropical and subtropical regions and is extensively cultivated and consumed as a vegetable in India and parts of South Asia. Its commercial importance arises from both local utilization and export.⁸

TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION:

Table1: Taxonomic Classification ⁴

Kingdom	Plantae
Sub-Kingdom	Tracheobionta
Super-division	Spermatophyta
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Sub-class	Dilleniidae
Order	Violales
Family	Cucurbitaceae
Genus`	Momordica
Species	dioica

Morphological Traits:

Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. (commonly known as teasle gourd or spiny gourd) is a perennial, dioecious climbing vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, cultivated widely for its edible and nutritionally rich fruits. The fruits are small, oval to ovoid, with a short beak measuring 1–4 inches and are distinctly covered with soft, non-prickly spines. They are green when immature and gradually turn yellow upon reaching maturity.

The plant exhibits marked sexual dimorphism. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants, typically blooming during the rainy season (June-August), followed by fruiting from September to November. Male flowers are pale yellow, approximately 2.8cm long, and possess three stamens, whereas female flowers are comparatively smaller, bright yellow, and contain three nectar glands. Pollination usually takes place during the early morning hours, and manual hand pollination has been reported to significantly enhance fruit set.

Leaves are simple, broadly ovate, and deeply lobed, measuring 3.8–10cm in length. The stem is branched and furrowed, supported by elongated tendrils that facilitate climbing, enabling the vine to attain a typical length of 5–7 meters. The fruits possess a soft exocarp and a hard endocarp, providing effective protection against pests such as insects and nematodes. Young shoots, tender leaves, and fruits are commonly consumed as vegetables due to their nutritional and medicinal relevance.^9,10

Genetic Diversity:

Recent research has highlighted substantial genetic variability among M. dioica accessions, revealing a wide diversity in morphological and qualitative traits with significant potential for crop improvement. Evaluation of 21 gynoecious accessions across 23 parameters demonstrated considerable variation in fruit morphology, vine vigor, and yield-related characteristics. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into three distinct clusters, indicating a broad genetic base particularly between clusters II and III. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for traits such as fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, and ascorbic acid content suggests that these attributes are amenable to improvement through selective breeding. Furthermore, elite accessions including Thar Varsha (CHESSG-1), CHESSG-11, and CHESSG-14 were identified for their superior horticultural traits such as larger fruit weight, reduced seed number, and softer spines. These findings underscore the genetic richness of M. dioica and its strong potential for developing improved cultivars with enhanced nutritional and medicinal value.¹¹

Traditional and Medicinal Uses:

Momordica dioica (spine gourd/teasel gourd) is widely used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine. Different plant parts exhibit diverse therapeutic benefits and are consumed as food or used in traditional formulations.

1. Fruit

Fig1. Momordica dioica fruit^4,8,16

The unripe fruits are eaten as vegetables and act as functional foods. Traditionally, the fruit is used as a hepatoprotective, diuretic, laxative, stomachic, antivenom, and alexiteric agent. It is prescribed in asthma, leprosy, fever, digestive issues, mucous discharge, mental illness, and cardiovascular ailments.

Fresh fruit juice is used for hypertension, while cooked fruits help manage diabetes. Topical application of the pulp treats acne, eczema, and skin infections due to its antimicrobial action. Roasted seeds are taken for chronic skin diseases. The fruit is also considered antioxidant-rich, immune-boosting, and useful for weight management.

2. Leaves

Fig.2: Momordica dioica Leaves⁸

Leaves exhibit antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihelminthic properties. Leaf juice is taken for fever and pain, and leaf paste is applied for eczema and skin infections.

Leaf decoction is used in jaundice, fever, asthma, bronchitis, and diabetes. Mixed leaf preparations are applied on the head to relieve headache. In folk medicine, leaves balance Tridosha, especially pitta and kapha.

4. Seeds:

Fig.3: Momordica dioica Seeds³

Seeds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ocular protective activities. In Vietnamese medicine, seed membranes are used for dry eyes. Crushed seeds combined with root paste are applied as poultices for joint pain and swelling, supporting their use in arthritis management.^4,8,12,13,14

3. Roots:

Fig.4: Momordica dioica roots

Roots and tubers possess astringent, antibacterial, spermicidal, abortifacient, and anti-inflammatory effects. Root decoction or powder is used for bleeding piles, urinary disorders, dysentery, and intestinal infections.

Root paste is applied for snake bites, stings, ulcers, and inflammation. Oral root juice is traditionally used for diabetes, often with Vanga bhasma. Roots also act as digestive stimulants, fertility enhancers, and aphrodisiacs. Boiled root preparations aid abscess healing, and nasal use of root paste is practiced in snake bites and mental disturbances.

Phytochemical Constituents:

Momordica dioica (spine gourd), a Cucurbitaceae vegetable, contains a diverse range of secondary metabolites responsible for its nutritional and therapeutic value. The major phytochemical groups reported include alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, triterpenoids, steroids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

1. Fruit Constituents:

The fruit shows high moisture content (~84%) with moderate proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and significant amounts of vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and carotene, further supporting its role as a functional food.

Overall, these diverse phytochemicals justify the traditional uses of M. dioica as a nutraceutical and therapeutic agent.

The fruit contains several unique compounds such as 6-methyl tritriacont-50-on-28-ol, 8-methyl hentracont-3-ene, and the sterol pleuchiol. It also includes ascorbic acid, β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, hederagenin, gypsogenin, and β-spiranosterol, which contribute to antioxidant and health-promoting activities.

2. Seed Constituents:

The seeds contain a characteristic pentacyclic triterpene, momodicaursenol (urs-12,18(19)-dien-3β-ol), along with other minor phytoconstituents. Momordicin, present in the seed, adds to its medicinal value.

3. Root Constituents:

Roots are rich in triterpenes and steroidal glycosides, including

α-spinasterol octadecanonate

α-spinasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside

3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin^15–17

Nutritional Study:

1. Proximate Composition:

The edible fruit of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. is nutritionally rich and contains a balanced biochemical profile.

The fruit contains:

Table 2: On a fresh weight basis

Moisture: ~84%	Carbohydrates: 7–8 g/100g
Protein: ≈3 g/100 g	Lipids: ≈3 g/100g
Crude fiber: ≈3 g/100 g	Ash/mineral matter: ≈1 g/100g

This composition classifies M. dioica as a low-calorie vegetable with moderate macronutrient density and functional food potential.

Nutrient concentration increases due to moisture removal.

The fruit contains:

Table 3: On a dry weight basis

Protein: 5–6%	Lipids: 3–4%
Crude fiber: >20%	Total carbohydrates: ~60%
Energy value: ~288 kcal/100g (dry weight)

This indicates that the fruit, though low-calorie when fresh, is an energy-rich component in its dried form.

2. Mineral and Micronutrient Profile

Elemental analysis demonstrates that M. dioica is a good source of essential macro- and micro-minerals:

Table 4: Mineral and Micronutrient Profile

Potassium: ~4.6 mg/100g	Calcium: ~7.3mg/100g
Sodium: ~1.6 mg/100g	Iron: ~5.0mg/100g
Zinc: ~3.8 mg/100g

These minerals contribute to electrolyte balance, bone health, enzyme activity, and hemopoiesis.

Trace minerals such as manganese, chromium, and iodine have also been detected. Chromium and zinc levels differ between peeled and unpeeled fruits, suggesting that the pericarp is richer in micronutrients.

3. Vitamin Composition:

M. dioica fruit is enriched with:

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – supporting antioxidant defense and immunity

Carotenoids – especially β-carotene, with an exceptionally high value of ~162mg/100g fresh weight, the highest among cucurbitaceous vegetables

Carotenoids contribute significantly to antioxidant activity and potential pro-vitamin A activity. Other vitamins are present in small but nutritionally relevant amounts.^17,18

Post-Harvest Processing and Quality Attributes:

Preservation of nutritional and phytochemical integrity after harvest is crucial for maintaining the therapeutic potential of Momordica dioica. Recent research has highlighted that post-harvest processing methods, especially drying techniques, can significantly influence the bioactive composition and quality attributes of this nutritionally rich vegetable.

A study investigating ultrasound (US) pretreatment followed by hot air drying at various temperatures (40–70 °C) revealed notable changes in the chemical and nutritional profile of spine gourd. The US pretreatment enhanced protein, fiber, ash, and total flavonoid contents, whereas increasing the drying temperature resulted in the degradation of heat-sensitive compounds such as chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and fats. Additionally, the antioxidant activity (DPPH) decreased with elevated drying temperatures.

Spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis confirmed that the functional groups of major phytoconstituents remained intact, suggesting that ultrasound pretreatment protected the structural stability of bioactive compounds. Among all drying conditions, US-assisted drying at 40°C retained the best nutritional quality, comparable to freeze-dried samples. Although freeze-drying preserves superior nutritional content, it is costly and time-consuming. Therefore, low-temperature drying combined with ultrasound pretreatment offers a practical and efficient alternative for preserving the nutritional and therapeutic quality of Momordica dioica.¹⁹

Extraction Methods:

The extraction of bioactive constituents from Momordica dioica can be achieved through various solvent-based and physical techniques designed to maximize yield, purity, and chemical integrity of the phytoconstituents. The selection of solvent and extraction procedure largely depends on the polarity of the targeted compounds and the intended analytical or pharmacological purpose.

1. Soxhlet Extraction:

German agricultural scientist Franz Ritter von Soxhlet developed this technique. Shade-dried plant materials (solid) are coarsely powdered and subjected to continuous extraction using heated solvent in a Soxhlet apparatus. Initially, hexane is employed to extract non-polar components. The resulting extract is concentrated under reduced pressure and stored for further use. The residual plant material (marc) is then re-extracted with methanol to obtain polar constituents. The concentrated methanolic extract is suspended in distilled water and subsequently partitioned with ethyl acetate to yield a fraction enriched with semi-polar compounds. The ethyl acetate fraction is evaporated to dryness and later utilized for phytochemical screening to determine the presence of major classes of secondary metabolites.

2. Maceration:

Maceration is a conventional yet effective extraction technique, particularly suited for thermosensitive phytochemicals. It is a technique utilized for extracting solids from liquid. In this process, powdered plant material is soaked in a suitable solvent such as ethanol, methanol, or water at ambient or slightly elevated temperature for several days. The solvent used here has ability to dissolve various active ingridients with stirring in a closed container for a specific duration of time. The mixture is then filtered, and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain a crude extract. This method is commonly applied in the preparation of herbal infusions, tinctures, and essential extracts due to its simplicity and minimal heat involvement.

3. Alcoholic (Ethanolic) Extraction:

Ethanol is widely used as an extraction solvent because of its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar phytocompounds. The plant material is macerated or refluxed with ethanol for a specified duration, filtered, and concentrated to yield an extract rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Ethanolic extraction is extensively employed in both traditional and modern phytopharmaceutical preparations due to its high efficiency and safety.

4. Decoction Method:

This method is utilized for extracting water soluble and thermostable compounds. In this aqueous extraction technique, plant parts are boiled in distilled water for a specific period to extract water-soluble compounds such as tannins, saponins, and glycosides. After boiling, the mixture is filtered and concentrated. Decoction is a traditional and effective method, especially for preparing herbal formulations used in Ayurveda and folk medicine.^5,20

Pharmacological Activities:

1. Antiviral Activity (Including In-silico Studies):

Computational screening of Momordica dioica phytoconstituents showed that compounds like quercetin, catechin, hederagenin, and oleanolic acid can interact with key COVID-19 targets (Mpro, RdRp, ACE-2). Hederagenin and oleanolic acid displayed strong and stable binding, while quercetin showed good ADME properties. These metabolites may provide both antiviral effects and support against inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting M. dioica as a potential source for adjunct COVID-19 therapies.²¹

2. Antibacterial Activity:

Methanolic extracts of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit pericarp and leaves were tested for antibacterial activity using the agar disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The extracts showed moderate inhibition against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Shigella, Salmonella typhi) bacteria. The activity was more pronounced against S. aureus and B. subtilis. The results suggest that phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins may contribute to the antibacterial potential of M. dioica, supporting its traditional use in treating infections.²²

3. Thrombolytic Activity:

The in vitro thrombolytic potential of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. fruit extract was evaluated using human blood clot assays. The methanolic extract (MDME-II) showed significant clot-dissolving activity, producing approximately 34% clot lysis, compared with 52.8% for the standard drug streptokinase and 4% for the negative control. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and steroids, compounds known for their fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects. These findings indicate that M. dioica possesses natural thrombolytic properties that may help prevent or manage cardiovascular disorders associated with abnormal clot formation. Further in vivo and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and identify the active biomolecules responsible for clot degradation.²³

4. Antidiabetic and Metabolic Disorder–Related Activity:

Momordica dioica has been traditionally used in the management of diabetes and metabolic disorders

a) In-vitro and In-silico Studies:

Recent studies validate the traditional use of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd belonging to Cucurbitaceae family, in metabolic disorders such as diabetes (as antidiabetic), obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Hydroalcoholic extracts of the fruit demonstrated stronger antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities than the leaves, particularly against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase—key enzymes involved in carbohydrate and fat digestion. LC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed sixteen major bioactive constituents, predominantly flavonoids and triterpenoids, which showed strong binding affinities to metabolic enzymes in molecular docking studies. These findings highlight the fruit of M. dioica as a promising natural candidate for regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and for developing plant-based therapies for diabetes and related metabolic disorders.^24-26

b) In-vivo study:

Ethanolic extract of Momordica dioica fruits showed strong antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats. A 28-day oral treatment significantly lowered fasting and postprandial glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced cholesterol and triglycerides by around 7%. Insulin levels also decreased, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. While the extract effectively improved both glycemic and lipid profiles, the exact active compounds and mechanisms remain unclear, requiring further research.²⁷

5. Antifertility Activity of Momordica dioica:

Momordica dioica has demonstrated significant antifertility potential in experimental studies. Hydroalcoholic extract of its fruits (HAEMD) produced marked reductions in testis weight, sperm count, and sperm motility in male rats, along with decreased serum testosterone levels and altered testicular histology, indicating impaired spermatogenesis. In female rats, the extract showed anti-ovulatory effects by disrupting the estrous cycle, prolonging diestrus, decreasing uterine weight, and lowering progesterone levels. These findings suggest that M. dioica contains phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and steroids, that interfere with reproductive hormones and gametogenesis, thereby contributing to reversible antifertility effects.²⁸

6. Cardioprotective Activity:

Momordica dioica exhibits significant cardioprotective activity due to its rich flavonoid and triterpenoid content. Its fruit extracts show strong in-vitro antioxidant effects (DPPH, SO scavenging, FRAP, metal chelation), which help reduce oxidative damage. In clozapine-induced cardiotoxic Wistar rats, M. dioica (100–200mg/kg) significantly lowered cardiac injury markers (CK-MB, LDH, SGOT) and lipid peroxidation (MDA), while restoring antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase, GSH). ECG abnormalities such as elevated ST and QT intervals were also improved, especially at 200mg/kg. These findings suggest that M. dioica protects the heart mainly by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress.²⁹

7. Antimitotic Activity:

Aqueous fruit extract of Momordica dioica (10mg/mL) demonstrated significant antimitotic activity in the Allium cepa root tip assay, reducing root growth, increasing non-dividing cells, and lowering the mitotic index compared to control. Its effect was comparable to methotrexate. The activity is attributed to flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. These findings indicate the extract’s cytotoxic and potential anticancer properties, warranting further validation in cancer cell lines.³⁰

8. Antiulcer Activity:

Ethanolic fruit extract of Momordica dioica showed significant antiulcer activity in pyloric ligation and cold-restraint stress models. The extract reduced ulcer severity, lowered lipid peroxidation, and improved antioxidant status by scavenging ROS and modulating stress responses. These results support its traditional antiulcer use, though further studies are needed to identify the active compounds and mechanisms.³¹

9. Antiallergic and Analgesic Activity:

Seeds of Momordica dioica were evaluated for antiallergic and analgesic activity using various solvent extracts. The methanol extract (200 mg/kg, i.p.) showed the most significant antiallergic effect in milk-induced leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and DLC models. Petroleum ether and methanol extracts also produced dose-dependent analgesic effects in hot plate and acetic acid–induced writhing tests. These activities are likely due to flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids present in the extract. The findings support the plant’s traditional use, though further pharmacological and phytochemical studies are needed.³²

10. Nephroprotective Activity:

Treatment with the ethanolic extract of Momordica dioica fruit (200 mg/kg) has been shown to significantly reduce renal damage produced by cisplatin administration. The protective effect is considered to be associated with its free radical scavenging ability, which may be linked to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid constituents in the extract. In a similar manner, Tribulus terrestris fruits have also demonstrated protective effects against drug-induced kidney injury, possibly through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms.³³

CONCLUSION:

Momordica dioica is an underutilized medicinal plant widely recognized in Ayurveda, Siddha, and traditional folk medicine for the management of kidney disorders, metabolic diseases, inflammatory conditions, and urinary tract ailments. This review provides an integrated overview of M. dioica, emphasizing its geographical distribution, cultivation practices, taxonomic classification, and morphological characteristics. These parameters are essential for accurate identification, authentication, sustainable cultivation, and quality control of the plant material. Studies on genetic diversity indicate considerable variability among different populations, which may influence phytochemical composition and pharmacological efficacy. Nutritional investigations reveal that M. dioica is a rich source of essential nutrients, supporting its traditional use as a functional food. Phytochemical analyses show the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, and alkaloids, contributing to its diverse therapeutic potential. The review also highlights various extraction methods employed for M. dioica. Pharmacological evidence demonstrates a broad spectrum of activities, including antiviral, antibacterial, thrombolytic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiulcer, antiallergic, and analgesic effects. However, variations in geographical origin, genetic diversity, cultivation practices, and extraction methods underscore the need for standardization and further clinical validation.

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

Future research on Momordica dioica should focus on the standardization of plant material, extraction procedures, and quality control parameters to ensure consistency and reproducibility. Advanced phytochemical investigations are required to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds and to establish their precise mechanisms of action. Furthermore, well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate its pharmacological efficacy in humans. Sustainable cultivation practices and formulation development may further enhance the potential of M. dioica as a therapeutic agent and functional food.

REFERENCES:

1. Matole V, Thorat Y, Ghurghure S, et al. A brief review on herbal medicines. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2021; 13(2): 101–102.

2. Anita S. Wanjari, Dinesh S. Wanjari. An Overview on Herbal Medicine. Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2019; 11(1): 14-17.

3. Dighe SB, Kangude DH, Kangune DB, et al. Recent advances in herbal drug technology. Asian J Res Pharm Sci. 2023;13(4):309–312.

4. Raut PS, Gadekar NK, Mokale B, et al. Review on Momordica dioica. World J Pharm Sci. 2023; 12(5): 2295–2303.

5. Ranjani VA, Tulja Rani G, Archana P, et al. An overview on Momordica dioica Roxb seeds: its phytochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. World J Pharm Life Sci. 2025; 11(7): 8–19.

6. Settu S, Arunachalam S. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of selected medicinal plants of Cucurbitaceae family. Res J Pharm Technol. 2023; 16(4): 1598.

7. Jadhav SR, Kamble LH. Phytochemical analysis of Momordica dioica, a selected Indian medicinal plant by HR-LCMS spectra method. Int Res J Plant Sci. 2022; 13(2): 1–6.

8. Chavan S, Harikrishnan A, Jayaraman S, et al. Predictive medicinal metabolites from Momordica dioica against comorbidity-related proteins of SARS-CoV-2 infections. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2021 Jan 11; 1–14.

9. Weerasinghe MGWK, Dahanayake N. Momordica dioica Roxb (spine gourd): an underutilized vegetable and medicinal plant in Sri Lanka. Int J Minor Fruits Med Aromat Plants. 2021; 7(2): 100–104.

10. Tanneeru P, Ramachandran K, Parimala K, et al. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of methanol extracts of momordica dioica roxb. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2024; 15(4): 81-7.

11. Yadav LP, Gangadhara K, Singh AK, et al. Genetic diversity, morphological and quality traits of Momordica dioica. Scientific Reports. 2024; 14(1): 30241.

12. Dakhure VK, Gachande BD. The study of phytochemicals, traditional and pharmacological uses of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd: A review. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2021; 10(3): 120–6.

13. Sarwade PP, Santosh Kumar SR, Sonwani K, et al. Momordica dioica: Phytochemistry, traditional uses and its neuroprotective activity. Stallion J Multidiscip Assoc Res Stud. 2025; 4(4): 28–39.

14. Jatale AP, Jaiswal GB, Kabra PG, et al. Momordica dioica: A medicinal plant, its benefits and pharmacological activity. GSC Biol Pharm Sci. 2024; 26(3): 14–18.

15. Talukdar SN, Hossain MN. Phytochemical, phytotherapeutical and pharmacological study of Momordica dioica. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 806082.

16. Madane TS, Devade OA, Redasani VK. A comprehensive review on the taxonomy, phytoconstituents, and pharmacological aspects of Momordica dioica. Int J Pharmacogn. 2025; 12(6): 447–456.

17. Rakh MS, Banurekha J. Comparative review of Momordica charantia and Momordica dioica: an update. Int J Pharm Sci Res. 2021; 12(8): 4101–4114.

18. Jadhav SS, Salunkhe VR, Magdum CS. Daily consumption of antioxidants: Prevention of disease is better than cure. Asian J Pharm Res. 2013; 3(1): 34–40.

19. Kumar Y, Kheto A, Singh L, et al. Ultrasound pretreated hot air drying of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd): The effect on quality attributes. Food Chem Adv. 2023; 2:100167.

20. Raj JM, Shaikh AZ, Patil DR, et al. A short review on effective extraction procedures for herbal drugs. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2024; 16(4): 249–55.

21. Chavan S, Harikrishnan A, Jayaraman S, et al. Predictive medicinal metabolites from Momordica dioica against comorbidity-related proteins of SARS-CoV-2 infections. In Silico Pharmacol. 2021; 9(1): 9.

22. Pingle MT, Gadekar SS, Bhavsar SK, et al. Antibacterial activity of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit pericarp and leaves in bacterial species. J Pharm BioSci. 2018; 6(2): 40–42.

23. Kunwar B, Jain V, Verma SK. In vitro thrombolytic potential of a nutritive vegetable—Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. Asian J Biol Sci. 2024;17(2):228–234.

24. Jha DK, Koneri R, Samaddar S. Antidiabetic activity of phytosaponin in STZ-induced type I diabetes in rats. Res J Pharm Technol. 2019; 12(8): 3919–3926.

25. Gopalasatheeskumar K, Kalaichelvan VK, Ariharasivakumar G, Sengottuvel T, Sanish Devan V. In vitro antidiabetic activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Cucumis melo var. agrestis (Cucurbitaceae). Res J Pharm Technol. 2020; 13(12): 5851

26. Singha S, Das Gupta B, Sarkar A, et al. Chemo-profiling and exploring therapeutic potential of Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. for managing metabolic related disorders: In-vitro studies, and docking based approach. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Sep 15; 331: 118351.

27. Hassan MM, Uddin S, Bhowmik A, et al. Phytochemical screening and antidiabetic effects of fruit rind of Momordica dioica Roxb. on streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Heliyon. 2022; 8(1): e08771.

28. Patil K, Mahajan M, Upaganlawar A, et al. Antifertility activity of Momordica dioica and Lagerstroemia speciosa in experimental rats. IP Int J Compr Adv Pharmacol. 2022;7(2):96-101.

29. Krishna KL, Mehdi S, Das A, et al. Cardioprotective effect of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit upon stress and clozapine-induced cardiotoxicity in rat model. J Glob Trends Pharm Sci. 2020;11(1)

30. Patil NS, Patil KB, Patil MR, et al. Antimitotic activity of fruits of Momordica dioica using Allium cepa root tip assay. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2018; 8(4).

31. Kumar A, Dubey A, Singh R. Investigation on anti-ulcer activity of Momordica dioica fruits in Wistar rats. Int J Res Appl Sci Biotechnol. 2022; 9(1): 105-111.

32. Rakh MS, Khedkar AN, Aghav NN, et al. Antiallergic and analgesic activity of Momordica dioica Roxb. Willd fruit seed. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012; S192–S196.

33. Durbar US. Nature’s cure for the management of drug induced nephrotoxicity. Res J Pharm Technol. 2015; 8(11).

Received on 09.01.2026 Revised on 20.02.2026

Accepted on 28.03.2026 Published on 21.04.2026

Available online from April 24, 2026

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2026; 18(2):182-188.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00025

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.