Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analysis of charantin in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) fruits

Horticultural plants such as the bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L., family Cucurbitaceae) have a special significance as a vegetable in the kitchen and offer health benefits. Bitter gourd is cultivated in several tropical regions of Asian countries and in parts of Africa, Central North America, South North Asia, Singapore, Japan, etc. The main objective of this study is to develop a modified and validated high performance method for the quantification of charantin. Bitter gourd is rich in various phytomolecules, including charantin as an antidiabetic agent. Charantin is one of these phytomolecules that acts as an antidiabetic agent in type 2 diabetics. Charantin has a high molecular weight so that it is easily digested when taken orally. A validated and modified high performance liquid chromatography method was used for the quantification of charantin in bitter gourd fruits. Bitter gourd plants transplanted in Kharif 2023 from Mandsaur University Nursery, Mandsaur Campus were used for modification of extraction parameters and for carrying out the validated protocol in Kharif 2023. The fruits were harvested 60-65 days after planting in June/July 2022. Charantin extraction was done using methanol in Soxhlet and analysis was done using modified high performance liquid chromatography for quantification. C18 columns as stationary phase and methanol:water (98:2) were used for separation and quantification of charantin. Validated method for the analysis and separation of charantin in dry powder of bitter gourd fruits. Analysis and quantification were performed using the methanolic extract and yielded a content of 200-600 ug/g dry fruit weight. The high charantin variety can be used for further breeding purposes or directly for product formulation and basic clinical trials if required.