Pharmacological Evaluation of Momordica Charantia for Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Potential

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects and wound healing potential of Momordica charantia fruit extracts. Plant material was subjected to maceration and Soxhlet extraction, and the resulting extracts were analyzed for physicochemical parameters including water- and alcohol‑soluble extractive values, as well as acid and water‑soluble ash content. Quantitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of active constituents, with the methanolic extract showing a total phenolic content of 72.22 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content of 72.23 mg GAE/g. Pharmacological evaluation was performed using two animal models: carrageenan‑induced paw edema in rats for anti-inflammatory activity, and the incision wound model for wound healing potential. The ethyl acetate extract at 20 mg/kg body weight demonstrated maximum inhibition of inflammation (76.92%), which was comparable to the standard drug indomethacin (10 mg, 82.69%). In wound healing studies, the methanolic extract exhibited superior tensile strength (512.62 ± 1.23 g) compared to EMC (489.60 ± 0.58 g), EAMC (338.63 ± 1.66 g), and the standard formulation. Overall, the findings indicate that Momordica charantia possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity and enhanced wound healing properties, with the methanolic extract showing particularly promising results for potential therapeutic and commercial applications.