NOB-Bharat news: Momordica cymbalaria is a vine of the genus Momordica of the family Cucurbitaceae found in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. It is a relative of the bitter melon plant (M. charantia). The plant has also been named Luffa tuberosa (Roxb.) or Momordica tuberosa (Roxb.).

The plant has been in news due to its proven anti- diabetic properties. A farmer in Tamilnadu is cultivating it in a large scale and supplying to different places.

Momordica cymbalaria is commonly known as Karchikai (Kannada) or Athalakkai (Tamil) or Kasara kayee (కాసరకాయి) Andhra Pradesh) and Kakrol (India).

Momordica plant parts are characterized by wide diversity of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, cucurbitane triterpenoid, and phytosterol. In particular, some of the actual trends of the scientific research are strongly focused on obtaining in vitro evidence for the biological efficacy of individual constituents such as triterpenoid, carotenoids and phenolics from different parts of Momordica species triterpenoid are the main constituents of Cucurbitaceae family. The potential health benefits of phytochemical found in Momordica species have received ample attention in the recent literature, focusing especially on compounds with high diabetes mellitus, cardio protective, ulcer, cancer, and diabetic neuropathy. The herb also has been reported to possess hypoglycaemic, wound healing, infertility, hypolipidemic, hepato-protective, nephro-protective and antioxidant properties. Momordica cymbalaria is under threat of extinction. The review focuses on the cultivation, nutritional and chemical composition, as well as medicinal and therapeutic properties of this medicinal plant. The fruit, fresh as well as dried contains have more active compounds when compared to other parts and hence is harvested in a large scale.