Momordica cymbalaria: A superfood in disguise
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Authors
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S Joginder Singh
College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka 560 065
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Meenakshi Sood
College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka 560 065
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Sumanth B T
College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka 560 065
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Matam Jayanth Kumar
Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arbhavi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka 591 218
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Shivanand Koti
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat 396 450
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Shivanand Devappa Ainapur
ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru 560 089
Keywords:
Conservation strategies, Functional food, Nutraceutical potential, Phytochemical composition, Traditional medicineAbstract
Momordica cymbalaria is an underutilized cucurbit with remarkable nutritional and therapeutic potential, traditionally consumed by rural and tribal communities across India. The species is rich in protein, dietary fibre, minerals and vitamin C, along with diverse phytochemicals that contribute to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective properties. Despite its resilience and medicinal value, the crop remains largely neglected due to poor seed germination, habitat loss and lack of organized cultivation. Emerging propagation techniques, including micropropagation, offer promising avenues for conservation and sustainable
utilization. Promoting awareness, structured cultivation and value addition can elevate this species as a valuable functional food.
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