Morphological characterization and determination of the total alkaloid and saponin content of 15 accessions of bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Issue Date

12-2009

Abstract

A total of 53 morpho-horticultural characteristics of bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.), 36 of which were qualitative and 17 quantitative, were evaluated. The parameters were categorized into seedling, vegetative, inflorescence, fruit and seed characteristics for the identification of the distinct traits of each accession and to determine the presence and absence of variants for a range of characteristics. The alkaloid content of the 15 accessions ranged 73.74 - 111.76 mg g¯¹ for Bonito and Mayon varieties, respectively. There were no significant differences among the computed alkaloid values. Significant differences were found in the saponin content which ranged 4.33 - 10.29 mg g¯¹. Native accessions had higher saponin content than the commercial hybrids and improved open-pollinated varieties. Makiling, the most studied and commonly used variety for pharmaceutical extraction purpose, had relatively low values for both alkaloid and saponin contents. Leaf size was negatively correlated with alkoloid content. Significant negative correlations were obtained between saponin content and fruit shape, fruit luster, and fruit weight. Flesh color and intensity however, were positively correlated with saponin content. All other characteristics showed no significant correlations with saponin and alkaloid content.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

34

Issue

3

Page

21-32

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables, pictures

Language

English

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