**12. Other biological activities**

There are also some reports on other bioactivities. Components in *M. charantia* have an inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal nematodes [22]. Momordin is reported to have hypotensive effects [58]. A fruit extract has been demonstrated to possess activity against *Helicobacter pylori*, which could induce stomach ulcers [59]. It has been reported that *M. charantia* polysaccharides have a neuroprotective effect that can reduce neuronal death caused by thrombin in primary hippocampal neurons [60]. The hepatoprotective effect of *M. charantia* water soluble polysaccharides has been investigated on the CCl4 liver damaged mouse model [61].

#### **13. Toxicity and side effects**

Although the plant is basically harmless to human body under normal conditions, it may induce adverse reactions according to different uptakes, processing methods, physical differences and other conditions. There have been reports of toxicity since 1960s, mainly including acute toxicity, chronic toxicity and reproductive toxicity.

Intake of *M. charantia* leaves is known to be used to prevent childbirth in India [62]. Moreover, the aqueous extract was reported to significantly decrease *Bitter Melon: A Multifunctional Medicinal Plant with Powerful Bioactive Compounds DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98812*

hemoglobin concentration of albino rats [63]. *M. charantia* lectin had a cytotoxic effect, which significantly inhibited DNA and protein synthesis in human peripheral blood lymphocytes of normal or leukemic cells [64]. Clinical findings indicating that long-term use of *M. charantia* at high doses may cause kidney conditions should be tested by better organized clinical trials. People who report allergies to other herbs from the Cucurbitaceae family should avoid the use of *M. charantia* [65].
