Investigation of genes coding for anti-HIV proteins MAP30 and MRK29 from Thai bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.)

Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), also known as bitter melon, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. M. charantia is cultivated in many regions globally, including Asia, South America, and Africa. It has many varieties and local names, including the Chinese variety (lai-pu-tao, ku-gua), Japanese variety (goya), Indian variety (karela), Vietnamese variety (la khoqua), and Thai variety (mara). Varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit. However, they have the same scientific name as Momordica charantia L.. The plant has been widely used as herbal anti-aging medicine. Major pharmacological activities that have been observed in bitter melon include abortifacient, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor. These characteristics have been correlated with the presence of phytochemicals, including saponins, alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, and proteins. Several compounds have been isolated from all plant parts, such as momordicins, charantins, cucurbitins, and goyaglycosides. Charantins, a mixture of steroidal saponins found in the fruits of M. charantia exhibit hypoglycaemic activity. Many proteins and peptides which possess RNA N-glycosidase, DNase-like, antitumor, immunosuppressive, and antimicrobial activities have also been isolated, such as