Comparing the morphological characteristics and antioxidant activities of two bitter gourd varieties (Momordica charantia L. and Momordica charantia var. abbreviata Ser. - Cucurbitaceae) harvested in Tra Vinh

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) has been extensively studied for its various pharmacological activities. However, there is limited research on the antioxidant activity of water extracts from the fruits of bitter gourd varieties in Vietnam. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the morphological characteristics of two bitter gourd varieties, namely Momordica charantia (KQ) and Momordica charantia var. abbreviata Ser. (KQR), harvested in Trà Vinh province, and evaluate their antioxidant activities. The research focused on the analysis, description, and photography of the morphological characteristics of the two bitter gourd varieties. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. The results revealed differences in the morphological characteristics between the two bitter gourd varieties. The water extracts from the fruits of both varieties exhibited antioxidant activity at the tested concentration. However, the water extract from KQ showed higher antioxidant activity than the water extract from KQR, with IC50 values of 725.1444 ± 6.3776 mg/mL and 753.1986 ± 21.9897 mg/mL, respectively. These findings provide a basis for further utilization of water extracts from bitter gourd varieties harvested in Trà Vinh in formulation development and exploration of other biological activities, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering effects. The study aims to promote the development of natural products derived from bitter gourd fruits.