# Antiviral Potential of Momordica charantia: From Traditional Use to Modern Implications

## TL;DR

Bitter melon shows strong antiviral potential through compounds like MAP30, offering new avenues for treating viral infections.

## Contribution

This review highlights bitter melon's antiviral compounds and their mechanisms, emphasizing their potential for pharmaceutical development.

## Key findings

- Ribosome-inactivating proteins from bitter melon, like MAP30, effectively inactivate viral RNA and DNA.
- Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids and other phytochemicals from bitter melon exhibit antiviral activity.
- Bitter melon extracts could support immune function and offer broad-spectrum antiviral benefits.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) (MC), commonly known as bitter melon, is a prominent therapeutic and edible species deeply rooted in traditional medicine for the management of diverse metabolic and infectious pathologies. Increasing evidence suggests that MC is a significant source of antiviral compounds that could act against many different types of viruses in humans. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the antiviral properties of MC, with a focus on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the keywords “Momordica charantia”, “bitter melon”, “antiviral” and “MAP30”. Original in vitro, in vivo, in silico and mechanistic studies were included. Results: MC harbors diverse antiviral molecules acting through conserved and virus-specific mechanisms. Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) purified from MC display potent antiviral activity by catalyzing the depurination of viral RNA and DNA, inactivating host ribosomes and blocking protein synthesis. RIPs, especially MAP30, are among the most potent natural antiviral proteins described to date. Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids and other phytochemicals from MC also show antiviral activity. Conclusions: MC emerges as a promising candidate for the prevention/treatment of viral diseases through nutraceutical, topical and pharmaceutical applications. MC extracts could represent a resource to support the immune system and provide broad-spectrum benefits against viral infections or a tool for local treatments. Moreover, MC is a valuable source of various bioactive compounds that, after thorough pharmacological characterization, could be further developed into specific antiviral agents.