Hai-Yue Lan, Bin Zhao, Yu-Li Shen, Xiao-Qin Li, Su-Juan Wang*, Li-Jun Zhang* and Hong Zhang* Pages 715 - 728 ( 14 )
Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng (M. cochinchinensis) is a deciduous vine that grows in Southeast Asia. It is known as gac in Vietnam and as Red Melon in English. Gac is reputed to be extremely benificial for health and has been widely used as food and folk medicine in Southeast Asia. In China, the seed of M. cochinchinensis (Chinese name: Mu biezi) is used as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various diseases. More than 60 chemical constituents have been isolated from M. cochinchinensis. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice demonstrate that some chemical constituents of M. cochinchinensis possess wide pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, etc. This paper reviews the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and clinical application of M. cochinchinensis, aiming to bring new insights into further research and application of this ancient herb.
Momordica cochinchinensis, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, clinical application, ancient herb.
Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, Department of General Surgery, Seventh People’s Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Department of Drug Preparation, Hospital of TCM and Hui Nationality Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong, Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062