INTRODUCTION:

Plants have been utilized due to the presence of their phytochemicals, where mostly were channeled for medicinal and foods purposes. Recently, some plants extracts are used as perfect and safe substitutes for some synthetic chemicals. Surprisingly, Momordica cymbalaria roots are used by the Lunguda people of Adamawa State Nigeria, as soap for washing of clothes (eye witness report). Momordica cymbalaria belongs to the family called Cucurbitaceae and has more than sixty other different species¹. For instant, the leaf extract of Momordica chantia was analyzed for it antiparasitic activity using trematode Fasciola hepaticaan organism that causes Fasciolosis. The outcome revealed that the extract was effective and further analysis of the constituents of the extracts using HPLC, the presence of Quercetin, a flavonoid was revealed².

Cucurbitacin glucosides, 2-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylcucurbitacin I and 2-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylcucurbitacin L were isolated from a family of Cucurbitaceae, Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad a plant which has proven effects as abortifacient, constipation relieving agent, oedema, bacterial infections, cancer and diabetes³. A similar report on wild species of Momordica was found to exhibit high level properties of antioxidants and anti-inflammation. The researcher further linked these activities to the presence of quercetin⁴. Aside the above-mentioned health benefits attributed to Momordica species, Momordica charantia another specie of Cucurbitaceae is use to control mosquito by introducing crude extract of both the leaves and flower to Aedes aegypti larvae⁵. Its usages in management of sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis and HIV was reported. Roots extracts of the plants is used in treatment of diabetics and eye related diseases while the leaves are reported to have anticancer and also used in alleviating complications in asthma^6,7,8. Study on docking analysis of Nerolidol a compound isolated from Momordica charantia proved it potential for binding with diabetic protein^9,10. Other work shows that Momordica dioica contain active compounds which can be used to manage cancer¹¹. Momordica balsamina is a different species of Cucurbitaceae and it has ranges of biopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals applications such as use anti-plasmodial, anti-inflammatory, shigellocidal, anti-diarrheal, hypoglycemic and analgesic among others¹². A comparative study of Momordica charantia roots extract revealed a similar antihyperglycemic effect when compare with glibencalimide¹³.

Generally, there are over 80 species of Momordica which belong to the Cucurbitaceae commonly found in Asia and Africa. A comparative observation of the specie of Momordica under study shows close similarities with Momordica balsamina. For instance, both leaves of the plants have lobes that are fused together and not deeply separated like in other species of Momordica. Momordica specie under study, has fruits which look similar to that of balsamina specie except for the sizes. While the fruits of Momordica balsamina is large enough to be plug out, the fruits of the plants understudy are smaller in size such that it is literally unnoticed when handling the plant. Both plants bear male and female flowers. However, these plants differ in their tuber-like roots. The roots of the cymbalaria specie are long and cylindrical. Most literature reported use of Momordica balsamina for medicinal purposes and the plant parts utilized are usually the leaves. The tuberose-roots of the plant understudy are being used by the locals for washing of clothes while the leaves are consumed as food. After studying the undocumented differences between the two species, it has become critical to design a research work which will be tailored toward extracting and analyzing the Phyto constituents of the Momordica specie under study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Plant material:

Leaves and roots of the plant were obtained from the open field of old market, Banjiram Guyuk Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Samples were washed with distilled water immediately after plugging. Root sample was grated to suitable size in order to aid drying whereas, the leaves were not further treated in like manner. After which, both the sample parts were then shed dried in a well-ventilated room. After the drying processes, the samples were ground and sieved with mesh size 20cm X 0.154mm. The process of grinding and sieving continued until a desired quantity of the powdered sample is achieved. The powdered samples were then divided in to two and stored in a refrigerator at 4°C until when required. Crude extracts of the samples were prepared by first adding 40g of the samples each in 100ml of distilled water and placed in an ovum at 37^oC for 24hours then filtered using Whatman filter paper. The residue was then dried in an oven and added to 100ml of chloroform in a beaker, air-tied and kept at room temperature for 24hours before filtered.

Phytochemical Analysis:

Screening the extracts for bioactive agents:

According to several authors' descriptions, standard qualitative procedures were used for phytochemical screening of the principal components of the plant extracts^14,15,16. The phytoconstituents of the samples were then determined in all the sample’s solution according to the methods described below:

Test for Saponins:

4ml of distilled water was added to 2ml of the extract in a test tube, and the mixture was then violently agitated for 1 minute. When placed in a beaker of warm water for five minutes at 70°C, the presence of saponins was indicated when the foaming continued for sometimes.

Test for Cardiac Glycosides:

In 2ml of glacial acetic acid with 1drop of ferric chloride solution, 1ml of the extract was dissolved. With 2ml of concentrated sulfuric acid, this was downplayed. At the interphase, a brown ring development denotes the presence of deoxy sugar from cardiac glycosides.

Test for Alkaloids:

0.5mls of the extract was mixed with 2mls of picric acid. The presence of orange coloration was interpreted as a sign of alkaloids

Test for Phenols:

The presence of phenols was confirmed by adding 2ml of the extract to 2ml of ferric chloride, which resulted in a vivid blue solution.

Test for Steroids and Triterpenoids:

Two milliliters of chloroform and one milliliter of the extract were combined with a few drops of concentrated H₂SO₄. shaken and given some time to stand. The presence of steroids was shown by the red color that emerged at the lower layer.

Test for Steroids and Triterpenoids:

Two milliliters of chloroform and one milliliter of the extract were combined with a few drops of concentrated H₂SO₄. shaken and given some time to stand. Triterpenoids were present, as indicated by the yellow color layer that formed.

Test for Antraquinones:

A 1% ammonia solution was added to the filtrate after the 2g of extract had been agitated with 10ml of benzene and filtered. It was assumed that the existence of free anthraquinones was present when a red color appeared in the ammonical (lower phase).

Test for Cardenolides:

1ml of the sample extract was combined with 2ml of benezene. The development of a turbid brown color is a sign that cardenolides are present.

Test for Terpenoids:

Each plant sample's 5ml of aqueous extract is combined with 2ml of chloroform in a test tube. To create a layer, 3ml of con. H₂SO₄ is carefully added to the mixture. It forms an interface that is colored reddish-brown.

Test for Carbohydrate:

A test tube containing 2ml of test extract received 5ml of fehling's solution A and B mixed in an equal volume. The mixture that resulted was boiled for two minutes in a water bath. A copper(i) oxide ppt that is brick red indicates a positive test.

Test for Flavonoids:

Each test extract was separately dissolved in a small amount of diluted NaOH. Flavonoids are present when a yellow solution turns colorless when con. HCl is added.

Test for Essential oils:

5ml of 90% alcohol were combined with 1ml of the extract and 5 drops of ferric chloride. Essential oils are present where there is appearance of green coloration.

Test for Phlobatannins:

1ml of the extract was boiled with 3 drops of the 1% HCl solution. The presence of phlobatannins is indicated by a reddish precipitate.

Test for Balsams:

A mixture of 4mls of the extracts and 3 drops of alcoholic FeCl₃and the temperature of the resulting mixture raised to 40^Oc by heating. It develops a dark green coloration. This was interpreted as balsam presence.

RESULTS:

Table 1: Phytochemical Screening of Leaf and Root Aqueous Extract of Momordica cymbalaria Plants

Plant

Plant’ part

GLY

ALK

PHE

STR

TRI. TER

ANTQ

CARD

TER

CAR

FLAV

CARD.

GLY

PHLO

BAL

Momordica cymbalaria

Leaf

Momordica cymbalaria

Root

Key: SA = (Saponin), GLY= Glycoside, ALK = Alkaloids, PHE = (Phenols), TRI.TER = Triterpenoids, ANTQ= Anthraquinones, CARD = Cardenolides, TER = Terpenoids, CAR = Carbohydrates, FLAV= Flavonoids, CARD.GLY = Cardiac glycosides, EO = Essential oils, PHLO = Phlobatannins, BAL = Balsam

Table 2: Phytochemical Screening of Leaf and Root Chloroform Extract of Momordica cymbalaria Plants

Plant	Plant part	Cardenolides	Anthraquinones	Phlobatannins	Steroids	Triterpenoids
Momordica cymbalaria	Leaf	-	-	-	-	-
Momordica cymbalaria	Root	-	-	-	+	-

The phytochemical screening of the leaf and root aqueous extract of Momordica cymbalaria revealed the presence of 9 out of 15 metabolites targeted. Saponin, Alkaloid, Carbohydrate, Cardiac glycosides and Balsam are present in all the plant parts extract. Phenol, Terpenoids, Flavonoids and Essential oils were seen present in the leaf extract but absent in the root extract. The result shows that the leaf of Momordica cymbalaria has more phytocompounds than the roots. Therefore, it is possible that the leaf could be more biologically active compare to the roots. On the other hand, Glycosides, Steroids, Triterpenoids, Anthraquinones, Cardenolides and Phlobatannins were not detected in the aqueous extract of both root and plant extracts of the plant.

Similar procedure was repeated but in this case the solvent was Chloroform. The solvent was changed so that phytocompounds that may not be soluble in water (polar solvent), might be soluble in Chloroform (non-polar solvent) and the result shows that steroid is present in the root extract but, absent in the leaf chloroform extracts.

DISCUSSION:

About eight phytochemicals (alkaloids, terpenes, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, resin, glycosides and saponins) were reported to be contain in the leaves, seeds, fruits and bark of Momordica species and these could be responsible for the wide range of medicinal activities of these species¹². One of the active components Momordin, a triterpenoid saponin has a proven antiviral activity against HIV. Momordica charantia Linn contains cucurbitacins which is a triterpene derived from Cucurbitane was isolated¹⁷. Other components of the plants species that are linked to nutritional values are; 10.25±0.52 protein, 3.03±0.76 Lipid, 25.31±0.32 fiber, 28.52±0.42 carbohydrate¹⁸.

A different work on Momordica balsamina L, another specie, shows that the most biologically effective components of the plant are; balsaminol, balsaminoside, balsaminagenin, karavilagenin and the cucurbalsaminol. Some uncommon triterpenoids were also reported being; Balsaminols, balsaminagenins, balsaminapentaol and cucurbalsaminols, these compounds present strange oxidation pattern and hydroxy group¹⁹.

Alkaloid was revealed in both leaf and root of Momordica cymbalaria (the plant understudy) specie. This compound was also reported to be presence in Momordica charantia another specie which is used for treatment of various ailment such as diabetic, jaundice, abdominal pain, kidney stones, piles, pneumonia and fever²⁰. The Saponin present in Momordica charantia is refered to as Charantin and it is qualified as steroidal saponin, other compounds as reported by²¹ includes a bitter taste alkaloid, Momordicin. Further characterization of the glycosides content of the plant by Taylor shows that it is momordin²².

Study on three edible species of Momordica which includes; Momordica charantia L, Momordica foetida Schumach and Momordica balsamina L revealed the presence of minerals such as; calcium, iron, magnesium andzinc, other metabolites are β-carotene, foliate, phytosterols and triterpene, andascorbic acid^23,24. These plants are also reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anthelmintic bioactivity, abortifacient, anti-bacterial and anti-viral²⁴.

The biochemical and medicinal properties of plants is related to the presence of some metabolite. For instance, Alkaloids such as morphine, nicotine, quinine, ephedrine and strychnine are effective for use asanesthetics, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory agents²⁵. It is possible that the Momordica cymbalaria (plant understudy) could be used for medicinal purpose owing to the presence of alkaloids. Other researchers have proposed that alkaloid can be used as antiplatelet agents in addition to their effects on malaria, diabetes, cancer and cardiac disfunction^26,20. In addition, some alkaloids are stimulants, psychedelics, analgesic, antiarrhytmia and cholinomimerics agents²⁷. Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl was shown to have antidiabetic activity when tested on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats²⁸. Having considered these usages of alkaloids it has become critical to search for more alkaloids bearing species of plants hence this work is timely.

It has been revealed in this work that Momordica cymbalaria is endowed with Saponins in both the leaf and the root parts. The foaming ability of the plant’s root, which can be related to its saponin contents is the reason why it is use by the locals for laundry in place of detergent and soap. In addition to its usage by the locals, this important compound synergizes with human immune system to fight against cancer cells, it also lowers blood lipids and cholesterol²⁹. Feeding on high saponin containing diet can inhibit dental caries and aggregation of the platelets. Other uses of saponin include antidote in lead poisoning, antidiabetics, anti-hypercalciuria. High level of saponin reduces the risk of incidences of renal stones²⁹.

It was discovered that locals use the leaves of Momordica cymbalaria as vegetable and also as feeds for animals. This means that the plants leaf does not contain metabolites that could be harmful to the humans and animals. However, the root which is more bitter and has more foaming ability not edible by both humans and animals. Perhaps, the roots may contain some types of alkaloids that have side effects like nausea, psychosis, paralysis and others. As such plants containing these types of alkaloids such as tropane, piperidine, pyrrolizidine and indolizidine may not be edible by humans³⁰. Saponins can be poisonous to humans, animals and fish when consumed in uncontrollable quantity. Fish have the ability to ingest large amount of this compounds through their gills and this exert serious damage to their respiratory system³¹. This effects of saponin on fish is being utilized by some locals for fishing. In modern systems, controllable measures of saponin are added to cosmetic and oral care products, fire extinguishers and in insecticides³¹. Whether the plant understudy contains this type of harmful saponins and alkaloids or not will be revealed in further studies on this work. The worries now are, this plant is grown wild in the open field and by the riverbanks. Being soluble in water due to the present of carbohydrate moiety, saponins can easily be dissolved from the plant root and find its way into the river where it can have effect on aquatic life.

The result of this study shows that Balsam is presence in both the root and leaf aqueous extract of Momordica cymbalaria. This compound is also presence in Annona senegalensis leaf a plant that was proven to have effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella paratyphi and Shigella flexneri³². Balsam contains benzoic acid and cinnamic acid and are use as wound healing ointment³³. Steroids which were identified in the aqueous extract of leaf and root of Momordica cymbalaria is a known compound that has diverse medicinal usages. The compound is common to Cucurbitaceae family where it was identified in Momordica charantia and Momordica balsamina^33,12.

Finally, this study has identified the various metabolites presence in the leaf and root extract of aqueous and chloroform extract of Momordica cymbalaria. The plant contains components which can be utilize in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural industries. The phytochemicals identified in both the leaf and the roots are common except in few such as Phenols, Terpenes, Flavonoids and Essential oils which were identified in the aqueous leaf extract. Compounds that were not identified in the aqueous extract of the plant samples were still absence in the chloroform extract except steroids which was identified in both the leaf and the root samples. Anthroquinones which are absence in the samples understudy were revealed to be presence in Momordica charantia³⁴. Further studies on characterization of each metabolite and their concentrations are recommended in other to establish the safety of the plant for human and animal use. More interest should be channeled towards working on the application of this plant in industries.

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Received on 04.11.2022 Modified on 18.05.2023

Asian J. Research Chem. 2023; 16(5):344-348.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-4150.2023.00055