Separation and Identification of Cucurbitane-Type Triterpenoids from Bitter Melon

Epidemiological data have demonstrated a dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes worldwide. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), a vegetable native to Asia, has been traditionally used in the management of hyperglycemic conditions. The health-promoting molecules in bitter melon have been described as cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. Recent advances in purification and identification techniques have identified several of these molecules from various parts of the bitter melon plant. This chapter describes the different classes of molecules that have been isolated from bitter melon to-date, and the various purification and identification techniques employed in these endeavors.