Abstract

Isolation and characterization of organic compounds from Momordica charantia “Cundeamor” Infusion used for Diabetes Type II in Puerto Rico

Jessica Torres Kolbus; Elba D. Reyes, PhD

From the Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Cayey, Puerto Rico, 00736

Momordica charantia L., locally known as Cundeamor, is being widely used as tea to decrease blood glucose levels of diabetic patients, according to popular claims. After doing a scientific literature review, evidence has been found of numerous works validating the hypoglycemic activity of variations of the same species in other countries. This can imply the presence of similar chemical composition among variations of the plant. Currently, our work presents the first stage of the long term goal, which is the process of isolation and characterization of potentially bioactive compounds from the infusion of Cundeamor and eventually comparative studies of the chemical composition previously reported for variations of the same species. As part of the methodological strategy, the homemade preparation of Cundeamor, the infusion, and the methanolic Sohxlet extract of the leaves were studied.  The aqueous solutions of the infusion were extracted with solvents of different polarities, and the components of the crude extract were isolated by column chromatography. Identification of organic components in every extract was performed by means of thin layer chromatography, TLC. Optimization of the developing solvents mixtures for improving identification of the components in each extract and the reproducibility of the analysis will be reported. Furthermore, preparative TLC results of different fractions will be reported.  Spectroscopic analysis will be presented for those compounds isolated successfully.