Carotenoid Profiles of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. Aril and Leaves as Potential Dietary Caroteniod Sources [RESEARCH NOTE]

Authors

• Francis A. Aguilar, Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, PhilippinesFollow
• Antonio C. Laurena, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
• Nerrisa K. Torreta, Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
• Vida Faith R. Galvez, Natural Products Research and Development Program, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
• Evelyn B. Rodriguez, Institute of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
• Lourdes B. Cardenas, Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. or sweet gourd is a perennial, dioecious vine known to possess remarkable carotenogenic capacity. To explore its potential as a dietary carotenoid source, this study evaluated the carotenoids of aril from ripe fruits and of leaves of an accession from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, through open-column chromatography. Data reveal that the optimal fruit ripeness for aril carotenoid quantification, determined by fruit skin redness (CIELAB a* value), was achieved 6 to 7 wk after pollination, at which time the aril was found to contain lycopene at 1,260.64 ± 56.17 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW) and β-carotene at 82.55 ± 6.49 μg g⁻¹ FW. Leaves were also found to contain 92.48 ± 0.85 μg g⁻¹ FW β-carotene and 198.04 ± 9.17 μg g⁻¹ FW lutein. These results support the utility of M. cochinchinensis aril and leaves as outstanding sources of dietary carotenoids.

Recommended Citation

Aguilar, Francis A.; Laurena, Antonio C.; Torreta, Nerrisa K.; Galvez, Vida Faith R.; Rodriguez, Evelyn B.; and Cardenas, Lourdes B. (2026) "Carotenoid Profiles of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. Aril and Leaves as Potential Dietary Caroteniod Sources [RESEARCH NOTE]," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 109: No. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol109/iss2/1