Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative damage to cell components has a relevant pathophysiological role in several types of human diseases. Free radicals have been reported to cause red blood cell lysis in patients with blood pathologies such as thalassemia. The erythrocytes are highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to the high polyunsaturated fatty acid content of their membrane and the high cellular concentration of oxygen and haemoglobin, all of which are powerful promoters of oxidative processes. Focusing our attention on natural sources of antioxidants for the protection of the body from oxidative stress, we investigated the protective effect of the methanolic extract of Momordica charantia (cucurbitaceae) against free radical-induced hemolysis. Momordica charantia L. (cucurbitaceae) is a creeping plant native of Asia and found throughout the world. It has numerous uses in popular folk medicine. Its leaves and roots serve as anti-rheumatic, anti[1]inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-diabetic remedies in Brazil. Phytochemical studies revealed that Momordica charantia contained alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, phenolic constituents, reducing sugars and free acids. The extract also demonstrated potent purgative effect and produced contractions of the guinea ileum and other effects of bitter melon include dose- related analgesic activity in rats and mice, anti-inflammatory actions and treatment for GI ailments, such as gas, ulcer, digestion, constipation, dysentery or hemorrhoids. The Plant material was collected locally, leaves were detached, washed and shade dried. The dried leaves were powdered and extracted using methanol. To evaluate the anti-hemolytic activity, RBC suspension was used as a model system with phenyl hydrazine as hemolysin. As a result of the present study; Momordica charantia was found to have anti-hemolytic activity with the maximum percentage of inhibition of hemolysis 61.52%.and IC50 value also was found to be 426.66µg.
