Physicochemical characterization and bioactive potential of momordica charantia L

Interest has grown to evaluate the use of underutilized plants, and plant by-products as sources of food ingredients to ameliorate the food security problem in the world. In this context, the aim of this work was to describe and quantify the main nutritional and bioactive compounds present in an unconventional and underutilized food fruit (Momordica charantia) found in southern Brazil. The physicochemical analyzes and antioxidant activity of peel and pulp fruit were performed. The fruits showed high fiber (18.59%) and carotenoid (267.00 μg g-1) content in the peel, and high protein (17.84%), carotenoid (278.87 μg g-1) and phenolic compounds (69.02 mg GAE g-1) content in the pulp. The main identified sugar in both pulp and peel, were the fructose and glucose, being in greater quantity in the pulp. Through the analysis of antioxidant capacity by FRAP and ABTS methods it was found that the peel has greater antioxidant capacity than melon pulp. Based on this study, it is concluded that São Caetano melon is an unconventional food product with high potential for nutritional and technological exploitation.