Momordica cochinchinensis

Momordica cochinchinensis

Product Name: Момордика красная, Momordica cochinchinensis, Gacfrucht, momordica de cochinchina, momordique de Cochinchine, مومورديكا الحمراء, ฟักข้าว, qizil momordika, кызыл момордика, qırmızı momordika, момордика сурх, raudonasis momordika, sarkanā momordika, момордика червона, qırmızı momordika, מומורדיקה אדומה

Synonyms: гак, колючий огурец, китайская горькая тыква, baby jackfruit, spiny bitter gourd, cochinchin gourd, Gac fruit, cochinchina-melone, gac, momordique épineuse, gac fruit, فاكهة الجاك, ฟักข้าว, trái gấc, quả gấc

Parts Used: fruits, seeds, pulp, seed oil, leaves, roots.

Main indications for use of Momordica cochinchinensis: hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic venous insufficiency, cataract, macular degeneration, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic pancreatitis, immunodeficient conditions, iron deficiency anemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dry eye syndrome, chronic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, chronic inflammatory joint diseases, osteoarthritis.

Use of Momordica cochinchinensis in mixtures and complexes: coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, chronic pyelonephritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, age-related sarcopenia, metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue, radiation sickness, oncological diseases at the rehabilitation stage.

Pharmacological properties of Momordica cochinchinensis: antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, angioprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiproliferative, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, photoprotective, wound healing, antimicrobial, fungistatic, keratoprotective, antiglaucoma.

Dosage of pharmaceutical forms — Momordica cochinchinensis

Powder — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Powder): hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, iron deficiency anemia, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, chronic pancreatitis, cataract, macular degeneration, chronic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, chronic inflammatory joint diseases, osteoarthritis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 3–5 grams of powder per day, divided into 2–3 doses, 20 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 6–8 grams per day, for chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, pronounced hyperlipidemia, macular degeneration.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 10 grams per day, for life-threatening forms of atherosclerosis, severe chronic venous insufficiency, rapidly progressive macular degeneration.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 2–3 grams per day, for chronic liver diseases, in patients over 50 years of age, for dry eye syndrome, for high risk of hyperlipidemia; course 30 days, repeat every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): from 7 years of age, with weight from 25 kg — 1 gram of powder 2 times a day; data on use in younger children are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): Select ripe fruits, extract the aril and seeds, separate the seeds, cut the aril into thin plates, dry in a drying chamber at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C to a residual moisture of 8–10%, grind into powder with a particle size of not more than 0.3 mm. For 100 grams of finished powder, 500 grams of fresh aril are needed. Store the powder in airtight glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store at a temperature of +5 °C to +20 °C, in a dry dark place, protected from electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 12 months; after opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Dry Extract): hyperlipidemia, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, chronic venous insufficiency, cataract, macular degeneration, immunodeficient conditions, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic inflammatory joint diseases.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 250–500 milligrams of dry extract per day, divided into 2 doses, with meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 750 milligrams per day, for pronounced hyperlipidemia, chronic hepatitis, macular degeneration.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1 gram per day, for severe forms of hyperlipidemia and progressive macular degeneration.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 milligrams per day, in patients over 50 years of age, for chronic liver diseases, for high risk of atherosclerosis; course 30 days, repeat every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 12 years of age, 100–150 milligrams 2 times a day; data on use in children under 12 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose, nausea, diarrhea, headache are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Use dried fruit aril. Pour 2 liters of 70% ethanol over ground aril (500 grams), infuse at a temperature of +25 °C for 7 days, stirring periodically. Strain, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a syrup consistency, then dry in a vacuum drying chamber to obtain a dry extract. Control the complete disappearance of ethanol odor. Residual ethanol content — not more than 500 ppm. For internal use, the use of an intermediate product with ethanol is unacceptable. For 100 grams of dry extract, 500 grams of aril are required.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in airtight dark glass containers at a temperature of +5 °C to +20 °C, in a dry, dark place, protected from electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 24 months; after opening the package, use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Oil Infusion): hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, cataract, macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, chronic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, age-related skin changes, skin photoaging.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): internally — 5 milliliters 1–2 times a day, with meals; externally — apply a thin layer 1–2 times a day to the affected area of skin.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): internally — 10 milliliters per day, for pronounced hyperlipidemia, chronic hepatitis, cataract, macular degeneration; externally — up to 3 times a day for pronounced dermatological manifestations.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): internally — 15 milliliters per day, for severe forms of hyperlipidemia and rapidly progressive macular degeneration; externally — up to 4 times a day for acute skin inflammation.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): internally — 5 milliliters per day, in patients over 50 years of age, for chronic liver diseases, dry eye syndrome, increased risk of atherosclerosis; course 30 days, repeat 2–3 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 7 years of age, with weight from 25 kg — 2 milliliters internally 1 time a day; externally — from 5 years of age, apply to the skin 1 time a day; data on use in children under 5 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 5 years of age.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose internally — diarrhea, nausea, dizziness; with external use — local skin irritation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare, take 500 grams of fresh fruit aril, grind, pour 1 liter of coconut oil. Infuse in a glass container at a temperature of +35...+40 °C for 14 days, stirring daily. Strain through cheesecloth, pour into dark glass vials. For accelerated technology, heating in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C for 6 hours is allowed, followed by infusion for 48 hours. For 100 grams of finished product, 50 grams of aril and 100 milliliters of coconut oil are used.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in dark glass containers at a temperature of +5 °C to +20 °C, in a place protected from direct light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Cream — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Cream): age-related skin changes, skin photoaging, chronic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, chronic inflammatory joint diseases with a skin component, post-burn scars, post-acne.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day, with light massaging movements until completely absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply up to 3 times a day, for pronounced age-related skin changes, chronic dermatitis, post-burn scars.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): up to 4 times a day, for pronounced inflammatory or dystrophic skin changes.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply 1 time a day, for dry skin, prevention of photoaging, in patients over 40 years of age; course 30 days, repeat every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): from 5 years of age, apply 1 time a day to the affected area of skin; data on use in children under 5 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance to cream components; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 5 years of age.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose — local irritation, skin hyperemia.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): not required, as the product is applied externally.

Preparation method (Cream): Melt 70 grams of coconut oil in a water bath, add 20 grams of oil infusion of red momordica aril, mix. In a separate container, dissolve 5 grams of beeswax at a temperature of +60 °C, pour into the oil mixture, mix until homogeneous. Add 5 grams of dry extract of red momordica, mix thoroughly. Cool to +35 °C, whip with a mixer to a creamy consistency. Pour into sterile dark glass jars. For 100 grams of finished cream, 70 g of coconut oil, 20 g of oil infusion, 5 g of beeswax, 5 g of dry extract are used.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in a tightly closed dark glass jar at a temperature of +5 °C to +10 °C, in a place protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Hydrogel — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Hydrogel): age-related skin changes, skin photoaging, chronic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, post-burn scars, post-acne, dry skin, increased skin sensitivity after cosmetic procedures.

Standard Dosage (Hydrogel): apply a thin layer to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day, evenly distributing over the surface, do not rinse for 20–30 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Hydrogel): apply up to 3 times a day, for pronounced dry skin, post-burn scars, inflammatory dermatoses.

Maximum Dosage (Hydrogel): up to 4 times a day, for acute inflammatory or dystrophic skin changes, including after aggressive cosmetic procedures (laser, peeling).

Preventive Dosage (Hydrogel): 1 time a day at night, in patients over 35 years of age for the prevention of photoaging, maintaining skin hydration; course 30 days, repeat every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Hydrogel): from 5 years of age, apply 1 time a day to the affected area of skin; data on use in children under 5 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Hydrogel): individual intolerance to components; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 5 years of age.

Side Effects (Hydrogel): in case of overdose — local irritation, skin burning.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Hydrogel): not required, as the product is applied externally.

Preparation method (Hydrogel): Dissolve 1 gram of guar gum powder in 70 milliliters of distilled water at a temperature of +40 °C, add 5 grams of dry extract of red momordica, mix thoroughly until completely dissolved. Add 20 milliliters of oil infusion of red momordica, emulsify using a mixer until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Add 4 milliliters of vegetable glycerin for a moisturizing effect. Pour into sterile jars. For 100 grams of finished gel, 70 ml of water, 20 ml of oil infusion, 5 g of dry extract, 4 ml of glycerin, 1 g of guar gum are used.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Hydrogel): store in airtight plastic or glass containers at a temperature of +4...+8 °C, in a light-protected place; shelf life — 3 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Cosmetics — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Cosmetics): age-related skin changes, skin photoaging, chronic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, decreased skin elasticity, pigmentation spots, post-acne.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetics): use as part of creams, masks, serums — 1–2 times a day according to the instructions of the specific cosmetic product.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetics): use up to 3 times a day, for pronounced dry skin, presence of pigmentation spots, pronounced wrinkles.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetics): up to 4 times a day, for intensive cosmetic procedures (after peeling, laser exposure).

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetics): 1 time a day at night, for the prevention of photoaging, maintaining skin elasticity, in patients over 30 years of age; course 30 days, repeat 3–4 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetics): from 5 years of age, external use only, 1 time a day, for dry skin or mild dermatitis; data on use in children under 5 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Cosmetics): individual intolerance to components; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 5 years of age.

Side Effects (Cosmetics): in case of overdose — skin irritation, temporary redness, burning sensation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cosmetics): not required, as it is applied externally.

Preparation method (Cosmetics): Depending on the type of cosmetic product, add 5–10 grams of dry extract or 10–20 milliliters of oil infusion of red momordica to 100 grams of base (cream, gel, or oil). For a cream base, melt 70 grams of coconut oil and 10 grams of beeswax, add the extract or infusion, mix thoroughly, cool to +35 °C and whip. For a mask base, use clay (kaolin) 70 grams, oil infusion 20 milliliters, dry extract 5 grams, distilled water 5 milliliters.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetics): store in airtight packaging at a temperature of +4...+10 °C, protect from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 6–12 months depending on the type of base; after opening, use within 30–60 days.

Paste (from leaves) — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Paste): chronic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, skin mycoses, superficial bacterial skin infections, post-burn scars, trophic ulcers, insect bites.

Standard Dosage (Paste): apply a thin layer to the affected area of skin 1–2 times a day, covering with a sterile gauze bandage.

Enhanced Dosage (Paste): apply 3 times a day, for pronounced inflammation or infected skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Paste): up to 4 times a day, for trophic ulcers or intensive skin mycoses.

Preventive Dosage (Paste): 1 time a day, for chronic dermatoses in remission, in patients with increased skin sensitivity, with a tendency to recurrent mycoses; course 14–20 days, repeat every 3–4 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Paste): from 5 years of age, apply 1 time a day to the affected area of skin; data on use in children under 5 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Paste): individual intolerance to components; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 5 years of age.

Side Effects (Paste): in case of overdose — skin irritation, burning sensation, hyperemia.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Paste): not required, as it is applied externally.

Preparation method (Paste): Thoroughly wash fresh leaves (200 grams), grind in a mortar or blender to a paste state, add 10 milliliters of coconut oil and 5 milliliters of aloe vera juice, mix until a homogeneous mass is obtained. If necessary, slightly warm the paste in a water bath to +35 °C for better mixing of the components. For 100 grams of finished product, 85 g of fresh leaves, 10 ml of coconut oil, and 5 ml of aloe juice are used.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Paste): store in airtight dark glass containers at a temperature of +4...+8 °C, in a light-protected place; shelf life — 7 days; after opening, use within 48 hours.

Root Powder — Momordica cochinchinensis

Indications (Root Powder): chronic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, superficial bacterial skin infections, skin mycoses, slowly healing wounds, trophic ulcers, skin hyperpigmentation.

Standard Dosage (Root Powder): externally — as a powder on the affected area 1–2 times a day; internally — 0.5–1 gram 1–2 times a day for inflammatory skin diseases (as agreed with a physician).

Enhanced Dosage (Root Powder): externally — up to 3 times a day, for infected skin lesions; internally — 1.5 grams per day, for chronic skin inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Root Powder): externally — up to 4 times a day; internally — 2 grams per day, for pronounced inflammatory and purulent skin lesions.

Preventive Dosage (Root Powder): externally — 1 time a day for chronic dermatoses in remission, in patients with a predisposition to mycoses; internally — 0.5 grams per day, course 14 days every 6 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Root Powder): from 7 years of age, externally — 1 time a day; internally — not recommended, data on use in children under 7 years of age are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Root Powder): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age.

Side Effects (Root Powder): in case of overdose internally — nausea, diarrhea; with external use — skin irritation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Root Powder): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Root Powder): Wash fresh roots, clean from dirt, cut into pieces 5–7 mm thick, dry in a drying chamber at a temperature not exceeding 45 °C to a residual moisture of 8–10%. Grind into powder with a particle size of not more than 0.5 mm. For 100 grams of finished product, 350 grams of fresh roots are required. Store the powder in airtight glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Root Powder): store at a temperature of +5...+20 °C, in a dry, dark place, protected from electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Toxicity and biosafety of Momordica cochinchinensis

Toxicity studies of the fruits and aril oil of red momordica have shown a low level of acute toxicity. In experimental models on rats, oral administration of the oil extract at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight did not cause lethal outcomes or clinical signs of intoxication, which allows the product to be classified as a substance with low toxicity. Data on LD₅₀ values for other routes of administration (intravenous, intramuscular) have not been found in available sources. With long-term use in high doses (more than 5 g of dry powder per day for an adult), mild dyspeptic disorders are possible.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacodynamics — Momordica cochinchinensis

The pharmacodynamic properties of red momordica are determined by the high concentration of carotenoids, especially lycopene and β-carotene, as well as the presence of tocopherols, polyphenolic compounds, and long-chain fatty acid triglycerides. The complex of these substances provides pronounced antioxidant activity, manifested in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species and protection of cellular structures from oxidative damage. At the systemic level, the antioxidant effect is aimed at reducing lipid peroxidation in membranes, stabilizing cellular lipid structures, and preserving the functional activity of membrane proteins. Polyphenolic compounds and tocopherols additionally enhance antioxidant protection by interrupting chain reactions of free radical oxidation.

Carotenoids of red momordica affect the immune system, helping to modulate the activity of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as regulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This action is in the nature of immunomodulation, in which the balance between the cellular and humoral components of immunity is maintained. The pronounced anti-inflammatory properties of the plant are realized through the inhibition of the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators.

The lipid fraction of oil extracts from the fruit aril is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, affecting the level of transport forms of cholesterol and triglycerides. This effect is combined with a possible indirect effect on endothelial function and microcirculation. At the skin level, components of red momordica exhibit photoprotective properties, binding free radicals induced by ultraviolet radiation and reducing oxidative damage to epidermal cells.

Antiproliferative effects of some fractions of plant extracts are associated with the regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis, as observed in a number of experimental in vitro models. A neuroprotective potential is also noted, presumably associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress in nervous tissue and stabilization of synaptic transmission. Incoming data also indicate a hepatoprotective effect, manifested in maintaining the integrity of hepatocytes under the action of toxic factors.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...    https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacokinetics — Momordica cochinchinensis

Following oral administration, the biologically active substances of red momordica, mainly carotenoids and tocopherols, undergo absorption in the small intestine with the participation of fats and bile acids, which facilitates their dissolution and transport through the intestinal epithelium. The lipid environment, including coconut oil or other vegetable oils, increases the efficiency of absorption due to the formation of micelles. Water-soluble fractions containing polyphenols can be partially absorbed in the upper parts of the small intestine, and also undergo metabolism under the action of enzymes of the colonic microflora with the formation of active metabolites.

After absorption, carotenoids bind to lipoproteins and are transported to the liver, where they are distributed to target tissues, including the retina of the eye, skin, mucous membranes, and adipose tissue. Tocopherols are mainly distributed in the lipid structures of cell membranes. Polyphenolic compounds are partially metabolized in the liver with the formation of glucuronides and sulfates, which are excreted with bile and urine.

With transdermal use (creams, hydrogels, pastes), absorption is limited to the upper layers of the epidermis, with lipophilic components penetrating the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, and hydrophilic components remaining in the intercellular space of the epidermis. This provides a local effect without significant systemic impact.

When applied to mucous membranes (for example, as part of lip cosmetics), lipophilic components quickly penetrate epithelial cells, while hydrophilic compounds act mainly on the surface of the mucosa.

Metabolism of active substances occurs mainly in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, and to a lesser extent in the intestinal wall. The main routes of excretion are with bile as part of lipid complexes and with urine in the form of polar metabolites. A negligible amount of lipophilic components may be excreted through sebum and sweat.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...  https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Momordica cochinchinensis

The pharmacological activity of red momordica is due to the presence of high concentrations of carotenoids (including lycopene, β-carotene, α-carotene), tocopherols, polyphenolic compounds, and fatty acids. Carotenoids are able to integrate into the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, stabilizing them and reducing susceptibility to oxidative damage. Lycopene and β-carotene demonstrate the ability to inhibit the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which leads to a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Polyphenolic fractions of the plant have an inhibitory effect on the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), thereby reducing the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The fatty acid composition of oil extracts modulates lipid metabolism, partially affecting the activity of enzymes that regulate lipoprotein metabolism.

At the cellular level, tocopherols and plant polyphenols interrupt chain reactions of lipid peroxidation, and also stabilize the functional groups of membrane proteins. In in vitro and in vivo experimental models, it was found that extracts of red momordica can modulate the activity of macrophages and neutrophils, regulating phagocytic activity and the production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, these components exhibit antiproliferative activity by affecting regulatory sites of the cell cycle (including inhibition of cyclin expression) and activating caspases involved in induced apoptosis. Some studies have also noted an effect on MAPK cascades and the JAK/STAT system, which may be associated with the regulation of inflammatory processes and the immune response.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...   https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy — Momordica cochinchinensis

Scientific data confirm that the combination of red momordica with other plant and natural sources of antioxidants and lipophilic nutrients may have a potentiating and additive effect. Co-administration with Camellia sinensis demonstrates enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to the combined influence of carotenoids and catechins on NF-κB and suppression of free radical production. The combination with Curcuma longa and its polyphenol curcumin shows synergy in inhibiting COX-2 and LOX, as well as in suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Oil extracts of red momordica used together with sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Linum usitatissimum or Perilla frutescens, demonstrate improved absorption of carotenoids due to the combined formation of micelles and enhanced lipid transport. A modulating effect has also been found when combined with Vitis vinifera, where proanthocyanidins potentiate endothelial protection and reduce oxidative damage to lipoproteins in the presence of lycopene. At the cellular level, these combinations act synchronously on antioxidant enzyme systems (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), providing more pronounced stabilization of cell membranes and reduction of oxidative stress.

References:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...  https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of use and traditional medicine — Momordica cochinchinensis

Red momordica is traditionally distributed in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, as well as in southern China. Vietnamese folk medicine considers the fruits of the plant a valuable source of nutrients and a cosmetic agent; the aril is used fresh and in the form of paste, oil infusions, and extracts. In Thai tradition, oil extracts from the aril and seeds are used externally to soften the skin, and leaves in the form of a paste are applied to the skin for various skin conditions. In Cambodia and Laos, the fruits are used in food rituals and as an element of festive dishes, symbolizing health and prosperity. In Chinese folk medicine, the plant is known as part of tonic and strengthening preparations, as well as a component that gives red color to ritual food. The first written mentions of the use of red momordica date back to the Ming dynasty, where its nutritional and coloring properties were indicated in botanical treatises. Ethnographic materials indicate the use of the plant as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, especially in wedding and New Year ceremonies among the Vietnamese, where the fruits decorate dishes served on the festive table. In some villages of northern Vietnam, the seeds and fruits were considered amulets against evil spirits; they were hung in the house or added to ritual offerings.