DOI: 10.4103/jpdtsm.jpdtsm_34_26 ISSN: 2949-6594
Network Pharmacology-integrated Molecular Modeling Analysis of Momordica Charantia Fruit Neuroprotective Phytocompounds against Parkinson’s Disease
Brianne M. Austria, Alexander Carlo S. Castro, John Sylvester B. Nas Abstract
BACKGROUND:
In this study, we explored the potential neuroprotective effects of
Momordica charantia
or bitter gourd, a widely used herbal medicine recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. While its benefits are attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, the specific compounds involved in neuroprotection remain unclear.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
To address this, we evaluated the binding interactions of several phytochemicals from
M. charantia
with key Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related proteins using molecular docking. A network pharmacology approach was employed to develop comprehensive pharmacological networks, shedding light on the interactions between
M. charantia
compounds and critical biological targets involved in PD pathways.
RESULTS:
Our analysis revealed that none of the identified phytochemicals exhibited central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. Notably, we found that catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, and daucosterol demonstrated strong binding affinities to PINK1 and UCHL1, proteins implicated in PD pathogenesis. In addition, glycosides predominantly present in
M. charantia,
such as momordicine, momordicoside, goyaglycoside, kuguaglycoside, and karaviloside, also exhibited high binding affinities to these proteins. These interactions suggest that
M. charantia
may modulate crucial cellular processes, including mitophagy, protein quality control, and synaptic function, by enhancing the activity of PINK1 and UCHL1 while inhibiting α-synuclein aggregation, a key event in PD progression.
CONCLUSIONS:
Based on these findings, we propose that
M. charantia
holds promise as a natural source for developing therapeutic agents targeting PD. To substantiate our results, we recommend further
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies to validate the neuroprotective mechanisms, investigate molecular interactions, and determine clinical applicability.