Induction of Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) and T Helper 1 (Th1) Immune Response by Bitter Gourd Extract

Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally wih 34 different types of vegetable juices, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were measured as markers for the induction of Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. Serum IFN-γ level was markedly increased in mice inoculated with bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) juice, but IL-4 levels were not increased with any of the 34 vegetable juices. Testing of the various components of bitter gourd, including peel, pulp, and seed, showed that the pulp induced the highest levels of IFN-γ. Trial immunogen including the heat extract of the pulp induced specific IgG2a antibody of the mice serum inoculated with this immunogen. These results demonstrate that bitter gourd pulp induced IFN-γ production and show its promise as a means of effective immunostimulatory therapy specific for Th1 cells and IFN-γ production.