Assessment of Essential and Toxic Mineral Elements in Bitter Gourd (Momordica Charantia)Fruit

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), overall diabetes prevalence in adult population is around 20%. Along with, or instead of oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, some patients use bitter gourd (Momrodica charantia) because of its hypoglycemic properties. The aim of this study was to assess the essential (Ca, Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mo) and toxic (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) trace elements of bitter gourd using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mean concentrations of each essential element were compared with literature data. Toxic As and Cd could not be detected, while Hg and Pb concentrations in our samples were much lower compared to values reported previously from contaminated areas. Results obtained in our study after ICP-MS/MW analysis, indicate that bitter gourd can be a good source of essential elements.