Bioactive Compounds of Momordica charantia L. Downregulate the Protein Expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 In Vivo and In Vitro
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, has resulted in widespread global infection and millions of deaths. Viral entry is initiated by the interaction between the viral spike (S) protein and the host cell receptor ACE2, followed by TMPRSS2-mediated proteolytic activation that facilitates membrane fusion. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L., MC), a traditional medicinal and edible plant widely used in tropical Asia, possesses notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic properties. In this study, the ethanol extract of bitter melon (EMC) markedly downregulated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in both in vitro and in vivo models without inducing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, phytochemicals isolated from EMC—including p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin—exhibited comparable inhibitory effects. These results indicate that EMC and its bioactive constituents may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 entry by modulating the ACE2/TMPRSS2 axis, highlighting their potential as natural adjuncts for COVID-19 prevention or management.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27020868
Authors: Che-Yi Chao, Woei-Cheang Shyu, Chih-Lung Lin, Wen-Ping Jiang, Atsushi Inose, Song-Jie Chiang, Wen-Liang Wu, Jaung-Geng Lin, Guan-Jhong Huang
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G1433010590, G8029017753
OpenAlex ID: W7124287605