Momordica balsamina
African cucumber
Momoirdica balsamina, commonly known as the balsam bitter melon, is a unique medicinal plant cherished in traditional healing. Characterized by its distinct aromatic properties, this species is valued for its bioactive compounds. It is frequently studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects in wellness.
- Scientific name: Momordica balsamina
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Cucurbitaleales, it is classified under the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Momordica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Momordica | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Momordica balsamina, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Polish, it is called przepękła pospolita, while in Hausa, it is known as Garafuni. It is identified in Hebrew as לעוסית מטפסת, and in Russian, the name used is Момордика бальмическая. Additionally, in Chinese, the plant is commonly known as 胶苦瓜.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | przepękla pospolita | Wikidata |
| ha | Garafuni | Wikidata |
| he | לעוסית מטפסת | Wikidata |
| ru | Момордика бальзамическая | Wikidata |
| zh | 胶苦瓜 | Wikidata |
| ar | معضوضة بلسمية | Wikidata |
| af | Laloentjie | Wikidata |
| ml | കാട്ടുപാവൽ | Wikidata |
| ban | Paya alas | Wikidata |
| arz | معضوضه بلسميه | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Momordica balsamina, exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions in Africa. In Northern Africa, its presence has been documented specifically within Tunisia. Moving southward, the species is found throughout various parts of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it inhabits the territories of Benin, Burkina, and Mali. Additionally, its range extends to the West Tropical African nation of Mauritania.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Momordica balsamina, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, ranging from its vegetative structures to its reproductive organs. The lush green leaves are often employed in traditional remedies, while the broader aerial parts of the vine are frequently harvested for their bioactive compounds. The plant also produces distinct fruits that serve as a key feature of its morphology, alongside seeds that contain concentrated nutrients and phytochemicals. Additionally, the bark of the stem can be utilized, contributing to the overall medicinal profile of the species.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Momordica balsamina has 28 reported phytochemicals identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include balsaminol F, calcium, flavonoids, karavilagenin C, magnesium.
- Total chemicals
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 34
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| balsaminol F | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calcium | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| karavilagenin C | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| magnesium | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Balsamin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| balsamin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| balsaminol A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Momordica balsamina has 8 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Antimalarial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Abortifacient | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Momordica balsamina has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, HIV-1, Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium falciparum, SARS-CoV-2.
- Total uses
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HIV-1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium berghei | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |