A review of the ethnopharmacological significance of Momordica foetida Schumach. (Cucurbitaceae: Cucurbitales)

Abstract

Momordica foetida is a perennial climbing herb with showy flowers native to tropical Africa but found all over the tropics and southern Africa. This paper aims at compiling a synopsis of the available scientific information on the botany, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological activities of M. foetida and highlights the knowledge gaps in its pharmacological and toxicological studies as well as confirmation of some ethnobotanical claims. This review reveals that M. foetida contains several chemical compounds with proven antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiadipogenic and antimalarial activities. However, only a few toxicological studies exist supporting the relative safety of some of its extracts while scientific information on some folkloric claims remains elusive. The lack of adequate toxicological studies calls for more attention especially since cucurbitane is said to be toxic. Studies on the root anatomical characteristics should be carried out while elucidating the pharmacological mechanism of actions of its investigated extracts. This current review will serve as a basis for further studies on ethnobotanical claims of the plant that require scientific validation, as well as the mechanism of actions of the investigated extracts, antidiabetic potential and activity-guided toxicokinetic studies, which are critical steps in developing any of these extracts into a globally accepted medicine.