Abstract
This review seeks to deepen our comprehension of the African plant Momordica balsamina L. by elucidating its therapeutically important molecules and nutrient composition. Commonly referred to as the balsam apple, this plant species is extensively harnessed for its diverse therapeutic potential across its various organs, including leaves, fruits, roots, and stems. Numerous bioactive molecules have been isolated or identified within this plant, notably encompassing polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids. These compounds exhibit a wide array of biological activities, ranging from antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic to anti-malarial properties, among others. Furthermore, the leaves of Momordica balsamina L. stand out for their abundant micronutrients, proteins, and amino acids. This investigation aims to shed light not only on the botanical characteristics of the Momordica balsamina plant and its potential applications in traditional medicine but also on its chemical composition, biological functionalities, and physicochemical attributes, thus accentuating its nutritional advantages. Nonetheless, an intriguing avenue presents itself for the exploration of strategies to conserve this species, delve deeper into its potential within the cosmetics industry, and innovate methodologies for the synthesis or biosynthesis of these bioactive molecules.
1. Introduction
For millennia, humanity has drawn upon environmental resources to ensure survival and well-being. Even in contemporary times, plants remain invaluable sources of sustenance and medicinal properties [1,2]. Nevertheless, a scarcity of ethnobotanical and chemical investigations has obscured the full extent of their pharmacopeia, nutritional value, and therapeutic potential.
In the present era, uncovering the botanical intricacies and therapeutic merits of plants presents a formidable challenge. Indeed, plants are fundamental and essential components in pharmaceutical research and production [1]. Consequently, delving into their chemical compositions and nutritional profiles emerges as a critical pursuit to enhance their application in medicine. Notably, plant-based derivatives constitute over 50% of the global medicinal repertoire [3]. These plants are frequently encountered in herbalists’ domains, traditional healing practices, marketplaces, or their regions of origin. The leaves, barks, roots, and fruits of medicinal plants constitute the most utilized components for phytotherapeutic purposes, often administered via maceration, infusion, digestion, or decoction [4].
The Cucurbitaceae family, widely employed in traditional medicine, encompasses herbaceous vines with tendrils and, in some cases, shrubs. Certain of these species exhibit widespread distribution across tropical and subtropical regions [4,5]. Cucurbits notably hold a significant position in Africa, offering a range of edibles (such as squash, pumpkin, and melon) and utilitarian items (like gourds and sponges). The fruits of numerous cucurbit species, rich in micronutrients, constitute dietary staples in Africa, sometimes consumed as juices to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. Plants within the Momordica genus are of notable importance for their remedial attributes [6].
Momordica balsamina, commonly known as balsam apple or referred to as Mburbuf or Mborbof in the Wolof language (native to Senegal), belongs to the Momordica genus. Flourishing in arid expanses of tropical and subtropical Africa, M. balsamina serves a dual role, being both a dietary staple and a fundamental element of traditional African medicine. It finds application in alleviating diverse symptomatic manifestations, including those associated with diabetes and malaria [7].
The primary objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive botanical delineation of M. balsamina, followed by an exhaustive exploration of its numerous applications. Subsequently, a detailed synthesis of its chemical composition, biological activities, and nutritional potential is presented. M. balsamina, with its numerous applications in the food sector, as a source of medicine, and potentially as a source for new cosmetic ingredients, is well worth this review paper. The uniqueness of this review lies in its extensive coverage, encompassing not only the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of M. balsamina but also its nutritional potential, traditional uses, and cosmetic applications. The literature search was carried out using the following databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pub Chem, ACS, and Scopus. The keywords mainly used were “Momordica balsamina”, associated with thematic words such as botany, traditional use, biological properties, nutritional value, and cosmetic use.
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Momordica balsamina L.: A Plant with Multiple Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential—A Review
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Thiaw, M.; Samb, I.; Genva, M.; Gaye, M.L.; Fauconnier, M.-L. Momordica balsamina L.: A Plant with Multiple Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential—A Review. Nutraceuticals 2023, 3, 556-573. https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals3040040
