Nutritional Analysis and Phytochemical Evaluation of Bitter Gourd (<em>Momordica Charantia</em>) from Bangladesh

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is commonly referred to as Bitter Gourd, Karela and balsam-pear, is a very familiar vegetable and widely cultivate in Bangladesh. It has long been used as a traditional medicine for some ailments. Nutritional compositions and phytochemical constituents of two selected hybrid varieties of M. charantia (TIA and GOJNEE) from Bangladesh were analysed using standard analytical methods. The proximate composition like moisture, ash, crude lipid, crude fibre and crude protein contents were showed as percentage. The study results showed that the two varieties of this M. charantia are good source of minerals such as Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe) and Chromium (Cr). Calcium and iron concentrations were higher in both varieties. And their concentrations were 2.35 and 1.04 ppm in GOJNEE, and 2.24 and 0.87 ppm in TIA, respectively. Phytochemicals constituents like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins were found in both varieties of M. charantia. Quantity of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponin were 0.05, 2.001 and 5.02 % in seeds of GOJNEE and 0.012, 1.72 and 3.27 % in seed of TIA. Total phenolic content was also determined and found that the highest contents were in ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts in both varieties. Our study result indicates the presence of nutritional and phytochemical constituents which are beneficial for our health along with the medicinal values.