Determination of phytochemical and antibacterial properties of Momordica charantia seed extracts

Abstract

In recent years, it is essential to discover safe and effective antibacterial drugs because of rising antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In traditional medicine, plant extracts including biological active components have been used for therapeutic purposes. We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the aqueous seed extract of Momordica charantia (M.charantia) on 9 pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial activity of the extract was assessed against strains using disc diffusion and broth microdilution tests. A total of 21 constituents were identified from M.charantia seeds. Alcohols, esters, aldehydes, monoterpenes, and monoterpenoids were found as the prevalent groups. The seed extract showed the greatest antimicrobial activity on B.subtilis and S.aureus with an inhibition zone diameter (IZD) value of 15.75±0.50 mm and 15.25±0.957 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test results ranged from 12.5 to 100 (mg/mL). The seed extract of M.charantia could be used for the cure of bacterial infections as a new natural drug.