Antibacterial Activity of Momordica charantia Seed Extracts Against Selected Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacterial Pathogens

Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) has long been used in traditional medicine and possesses multiple bioactive phytochemicals with potential antimicrobial properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Momordica charantia seed extracts against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Seed extracts of M. charantia were prepared and tested against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria at a concentration range of 100-800 mg/mL. The strongest inhibition among Gram-positive bacteria was observed against Listeria monocytogenes at all concentrations and highest at 700 mg/mL, whereas for Staphylococcus aureus, inhibition was between 600-700 mg/mL with highest at 700 mg/mL. However, for Bacillus cereus the inhibition was observed between 500-800 mg/mL. As for Gram negative bacteria, inhibitory activity was observed against Acinetobacter baumannii from 700-800 mg/mL and Enterobacter cloacae at 800 mg/mL. No significant antibacterial activity was observed against Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Salmonella enteritidis. Momordica charantia seed extract possesses selective antibacterial activity against several clinically relevant microorganisms, particularly Gram-positive bacteria and certain multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. These findings support the medicinal value of M. charantia seeds and highlight its potential as a source of novel antibacterial compound.