Momordica Charantia Linn . ( Karela ) : Nature ’ S Silent Healer

Momordica charantia Linn. (karela) is an herbal climber grown in tropical and subtropical regions, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Momordica charantia (Karela) have provided many remedies for various diseases from ancient days to now a day. It has been used in various Asian traditional medicines for the treatment of cholera, bronchitis, anemia, blood diseases, ulcer, diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea rheumatism, gout, worms, colic, disease of liver and spleen, cancer and diabetes etc. The main constituents of Karela are triterpene, protein, steroid, alkaloid, inorganic, lipid, and phenolic compounds, which are responsible for biological and pharmacological activities including anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous and anti-tumorous, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-helmintic, antimalarial, anti-ulcerative and immunomodulatory. Combination of its Ayuervedic properties i.e. Gunna, Rasa and Virya (Dry, pungent, light, bitter and hot) makes it the real natures wonder. In this article, general description, traditional uses and medicinal properties of Momordica charantia Linn (Karela) have been reviewed.