Effect of extraction solvent on the recovery of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in Momordica Charantia: Towards sustainable processes

Momordica charantia, a climbing plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, has recognized potential in traditional medicine. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from ripe fruits, seeds, roots, stems, and leaves were analyzed. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed following standard protocols, while quantitative phenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity were assessed by colorimetric methods (ABTS and DPPH assays). Significant differences in compound concentration and composition were observed, depending on the plant part and solvent used. Secondary metabolites detected included saponins, catechins, flavonoids, cardiotonic glycosides, alkaloids, free amino acids, reducing sugars, and terpenoids. The ethanol extract of ripe fruit rind showed the highest phenol content (53.42 ± 3.62 mg GAE/g DW), while the ethanol extract of leaves had the highest flavonoid content (62.69 ± 1.87 mg QE/g DW). Ripe fruit ethanolic extracts also exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS values of 868.41 ± 39.99 and 857.41 ± 12.60 µmol Trolox equivalents/g DW, respectively. These results confirm that ethanol is a highly effective solvent for extracting antioxidant compounds from Chiribagula, et al. [1]. In this way, the integration of sustainable cultivation practices and ecological extraction processes could contribute to the generation of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products with lower environmental impact, promoting sustainable value chains.