Researchers of Turkmenistan's National Institute of Deserts, Flora, and Fauna, under the Ministry of Environmental Protection, have achieved initial results in the cultivation of a medicinal plant Momordica (bitter melon), dubbed Gudrat Nary in the Turkic languages, the institute's specialist Enebay Amanberdiyeva said in an article published on Friday in the Türkmenistan newspaper.
A scientific researcher from Turkmenistan's National Institute of Deserts, Flora, and Fauna, emphasized that Momordica can be cultivated in open soil and in greenhouses.To achieve a more abundant harvest, it is recommended to select secluded areas with high humidity and protection from the wind.
When planting in open air, the plant prefers sunny locations with some shade in the second half of the day.However, under complete shade conditions, the plant's growth slows down, and it will not bear fruit.
The fruiting of Momordica begins in May and, with proper care, continues until mid-October. Inside, the fruits have a dark purple hue and possess a taste similar to overripe persimmons.
The fruits and stems of this plant are rich in carotene, insulin-like peptides, calcium, oils, alkaloids, phenols, amino acids, and saponins.
Momordica is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of malignant tumors, as well as for improving conditions related to hypertension, tuberculosis, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and leukemia.