Bitter gourd has been popular as a natural remedy in Ayurvedic systems owing to its anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, contraceptive and insecticidal properties. Bitter gourd juice (BGJ) has a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals including vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds. However, simple preparation of juice does not extract bioactive principals to the full extent and its use is still limited due to its extremely bitter taste which limits its consumer acceptability. BARC has developed a technology for preparation of non-bitter Karela juice having high bioactivity. It is prepared by using all GRAS status chemicals and enzymes.

 SALIENT FEATURES

• Karela juice is non-bitter as compared to various commercial products currently available in market.
• It has 40 percent higher anti-diabetic potential as compared to control.
• It has a long shelf life of one year.
• Low cost for preparation of juice with higher yield.

APPLICATIONS

• Can be used as an anti-diabetic herbal drug.
• Could also be useful for weight management in obese individuals.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), an annual climbing plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, is an extensively investigated tropical medicinal plant. Its fruit, also known as balsam pear, bitter melon or karela has a distinct bitter taste which enhances as the fruit ripens. Bitter gourd has been popular as a natural remedy in Ayurvedic systems owing to its anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, contraceptive and insecticidal properties. Bitter gourd juice (BGJ) has a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals including vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are known to possess both high antioxidant potential and anti-diabetic activity. Apart from phenolics several other bioactive molecules in bitter gourd include steroidal saponins, charantin, insulin like peptides, glycoalkaloids, vicine, momorcharin, oleanolic acids, triterpenes, trehalose and momordin. However, simple preparation of juice does not extract bioactive principals to the full extent. Moreover, although health benefits of bitter gourd are well documented and well known, its use is still limited due to its extremely bitter taste which limits its consumer acceptability. BARC has developed a technology for preparation of de-bitter Karela juice having high bioactivity. De-bitter Karela juice is prepared by using all GRAS chemicals and enzymes.

ADVANTAGES

• Can be easily prepared using locally available raw materials.
• Has clear appearance and is completely de-bittered
• Has high antidiabetic activity
• Has distinctly better physiological properties such as Î±-glucosidase and Î±-amylase inhibition as compared to commercially available products

APPLICATIONS

• Can be used as an alternative for management of diabetes and obesity.

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

A. Raw Materials required

• Bitter gourd
• Hydrolytic enzymes
• Additives for de-bittering (GRAS status)
  

All the raw materials required are available in the local market.

B. Equipments

• Overhead stirrer with motor and temperature control
• Fruit pulping machine
• Bottle filling and pasteurizing machine
  

C. Space

• Factory shade of 600 sq. ft. area (30 ft. x 20 ft) with potable water facilities.
  

D. Power

• Three phase power connection.

E. Manpower

• Minimum two laboratory technician are required for production of 100 L of de-bittered juice. Actual manpower would depend on production capacity.