A Potential Anti-Tumor Herb Bred in a Tropical Fruit: Insight into the Chemical Components and Pharmacological Effects of Momordicae Semen
Xiao-Rong Xu,
Chuan-Hong Luo,
Bo Cao,
Run-Chun Xu,
Fang Wang,
Xi-Chuan Wei,
Ting Zhang,
Li Han,
Ding-Kun Zhang
Affiliations
Xiao-Rong Xu
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Chuan-Hong Luo
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Bo Cao
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Run-Chun Xu
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Fang Wang
Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
Xi-Chuan Wei
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Ting Zhang
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Li Han
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Ding-Kun Zhang
State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) is a popular tropical fruit in southeast Asia. What is amazing is that its seeds (Momordicae Semen) and arils are traditional herbs with anti-tumor activity, and have protected human health for more than 1000 years. In recent years, its anti-tumor activity has received extensive attention and research. This manuscript summarized the chemical composition of saponins, fatty acids, volatile constituents, proteins, peptides, and other components from Momordicae Semen (MSE). The effect and mechanism of MSE and its extract on breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, esophagus cancer, melanomas, and human cervical epithelial carcinoma were discussed. In addition, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects were also analyzed. We hope that this review will provide new ideas for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, and become a reference for the further research into complementary and alternative medicine.
