Momordica balsamina L

Introduction:
Momordica balsamina L. contains a bitter principle, momordocin. The young leaf contains 3,6 µgm./100 gm of vitamin C and yields two resin acids and momordocin.

An extract of the leaf has given positive antibiotic tests with three out of five pathogens with which it has been tested.

Although it is used as an anti-diabetic, careful tests do not support this use. It has some hypoglycaemic action when tested in rabbits.

An infusion of the plant has shown mild, but not consistent, anti-malarial effects. Hence the use of the plant by the Portuguese for "paludismo" and sometimes referred to as "yellow fever tree sickness".

The plant contains a highly aromatic volatile oil, a fixed oil, carotene, a resin, two alkaloids one of which is momordocin and a saponin. Momordocin is an amaroid and is obtained as a crystalline powder. It also contains 0,038 % of an unnamed alkaloid.

The total carotenoid pigment is estimated at 8,53 µgm. and the vitamin A potency is 2,4 to 5,6 IU/gm.

A clear reddish-brown oil from the seed assays 46,7 % a-eleostearic acid, 7,7 % of linoleic acid, 15,8 % of oleic acid and 29,8 % of stearic acid. The dried root yields 12,84 % of ash and the dried fruit 11,7 % and both ashes contain iron, phosphorus and calcium.

In Northern Zimbabwe the feeding of 1lb of the leaf and flower to a sheep over three weeks has produced no ill effects.

Momordica balsamina L. and osteoporosis:
Where Momordica balsamina L. is consumed regularly, there are no occurrences of osteoporosis. It is the traditional and conventional consensus that this can be attributed to Momordica balsamina L.. In defence of this analysis, African herbalist practitioners, point as evidence the fact that Momordica balsamina L. consumers show an increased strength in their nails and hair. Generally the bone structure of these consumers is strong and healthy.

In particular, Portuguese conventional doctors used to comment on the bone strength of the locals. A famous episode with one such conventional doctor, occurred when the doctor broke a broom over the head of a local during an argument. The impact was so hard that the broken broom flew to the roof, hit the roof and come back hitting the doctor over his head and cracking it. The local sustained a bump while the doctor had to have stitches.

Momordica balsamina L. is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, Calcium and Iron and in their natural form, these vitamins and minerals are easily absorbed by the system, strengthening the bones thereby avoiding osteoporosis. Following a proper diet with the right amounts of minerals, vitamins and regular intake of Momordica balsamina L. will reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Momordica balsamina L.'s high concentration of Calcium and other bone-friendly minerals and vitamins help the body increase bone density.

It is a wise decision to start taking Momordica balsamina L. from as early as ten years old, during the fast growing period of a child. Later in life, regular exercise and regular intake of Momordica balsamina L. will help build bone mass. Women are especially at risk of contacting osteoporosis, in particular after menopause, when estrogen levels drop and are therefore advised to take Momordica balsamina L. regularly.

Recorded medicinal uses:
When bruised the plant emits a strongly unpleasant smell. The Zulu use it as a liniment, made by infusing the fruit (minus the seed) in olive or almond oil, as an application to chapped hands, burns and haemorrhoids. The mashed fruit is used as a poultice. Extracts have been administered for the relief of dropsy.

Outside South Africa, it as a liniment, made by infusing the fruit (minus the seed) in olive or almond oil, as an application to chapped hands, burns and haemorrhoids and the mashed fruit is used as a pultice. Extracts have been administered for the relief of dropsy.

The Shangaan use the leaves in tea form as a blood purifier and for liver deficiencies. In nutritional deprived areas and in winter (dry season), postnatal mothers eat the leaves to stimulate milk production. In the southern parts of Mozambique the leaves are taken as an anti-inflammatory remedy and particular sought for urinary tract inflammations. The fruit is especially appreciated for its bitter taste by the Shangaan and the Kanuri of North-East Nigeria.

The Portuguese are particularly fond of the leaves and use them as an herbal medicine and culinary herb. The leaves in tea form are used for diabetes, digestive disorders, fevers, ulcers and a mild form of malaria "paludismo". It is especially sought after as a detoxifier. A culinary specialty recommends the leaves, ground peanuts and honey be mixed together and used as a sauce in chicken and meat dishes.

Momordica balsamina L. is much used in West Africa as a medicine in both man and horse, particular as a bitter stomachic, as a wash for fever and yaws, and as a purgative. The fruit pulp, or the pounded fruit mixed with oil is used as an antiphlogistic dressing. The root is sometimes an ingredient in an aphrodisiac preparation and in the treatment of urethral discharges. The fruit is used for making a poultice and the plant a bitter tonic. The tender fruit and shoot are sometimes boiled with meat and both leaf and fruit are added to soup probably as a vehicle for medicinal uses.

Among the Ngizim of Bornu the leaf is placed in the water used for ceremonial purposes.

The young leaf and tendril are used by the Pedi as a potherb and as an anti-emetic.

Dragendorff says the ripe fruit is used for colic, as an emetic and drastic purgative. He also reports the use of the seed with oil in the treatment of haemorrhoids, frostbite and burns, and the root for jaundice and diseases of the liver.

Momordica balsamina L. is used In the Congo for colic.

In the Indian Peninsula, the whole plant mixed with other herbs is used for psoriasis, scabies and other cutaneous diseases.

In Japan, the Momordica sp. enters in the composition of a remedy for skin ailments. In China the Momordica balsamina L. is considered a traditional medicine and is widely used by Chinese traditional doctors worldwide.

Momordica balsamina L. medicinal properties change according to the environment in which it is found. Climate and soil play an important role in the concentration of its active ingredients and medicinal properties. It is believed that Southern Africa has three different subspecies of Momordica, each exhibiting particular properties.

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