1.1 Introduction
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight certain infections and can save lives when used properly. They either stop bacteria from reproducing or destroy them (Medicalnewstoday, 2021). Momordica charantia (M. charantia), also known as bitter melon, karela, balsam pear, or bitter gourd, is a popular plant used for the treating of bacterial-related conditions amongst the indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India, the Caribbean and East Africa (Cefalu et al, 2008 and Cousens, 2008). Its fruit has a distinguishing bitter taste, which is more pronounced as it ripens, hence the name bitter melon or bitter gourd. Biochemical and animal model experiments have produced abundant data and hypotheses accounting for the anti-Biotic effects of M. charantia. In comparison, clinical studies with human subjects are sparse and low quality in design (Cefalu et al, 2008).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Momordica charantia is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Its many varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit (Renner, 2020). Bitter melon originated in Africa where it was a dry-season staple food of ǃKung hunter-gatherers. Wild or semi-domesticated variants spread across Asia in prehistory, and it was likely fully domesticated in Southeast Asia (Bagchi, 2005). It is widely used in the cuisines of East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia (Wikipedia, 2021).
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight certain infections and can save lives when used properly. They either stop bacteria from reproducing or destroy them. Before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the immune system can typically kill them. White blood cells (WBCs) attack harmful bacteria and, even if symptoms do occur, the immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection. Sometimes, however, the number of harmful bacteria is excessive, and the immune system cannot fight them all. Antibiotics are useful in this scenario. The first antibiotic was penicillin. Penicillin-based antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin G, are still available to treat a variety of infections and have been around for a long time. Several types of modern antibiotics are available, and they are usually only available with a prescription in most countries. Topical antibiotics are available in over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments (Medicalnewstoday, 2021).
Medicinal plants and its products continue to be an important therapeutic aid for alleviating the ailments of human kind (Raman et al., 2012). Herbs for baterias treatment are not new. Since ancient times, plants and plant extracts were used to combat baterias. Many traditional medicines in use are derived from medicinal plants, minerals and organic matter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed 21 000 plants, which are used for medicinal purposes around the world. Among them, 150 species are used commercially on a fairly large scale (Joseph et al., 2011a).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Antibiotic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that a lot of people have died as a result of formation of kidney stones, when taking sulphonamides due to lack of information about the side effect of antibiotics usage.
Antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. A growing list of infections – such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning, gonorrhoea, and foodborne diseases – are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective.
Where antibiotics can be bought for human or animal use without a prescription, the emergence and spread of resistance is made worse. Similarly, in countries without standard treatment guidelines, antibiotics are often over-prescribed by health workers and veterinarians and over-used by the public. Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to identify the Antibiotic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the Medicinal Properties of Momordica charantia,
- To identify the anti-biotic Effect of Momordica Charantia,
- To exmine the possible modes of action of Momordica Charantia and its Extract,
- To determine the preservative measures of pancreatic β Cells and Insulin Secretion.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Antibiotic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Technical Terms
Synergistic: Synergistic is the interaction between two or more substance, it is used to describe things that produce, result from or otherwise involve synergy
Antibiotics / Antibacterial: Antibacterial anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Heat, chemicals such as chlorine, and antibiotic drugs all have antibacterial properties.
Activity: the condition in which things are happening or being done.
Constraint: a limitation or restriction.
Estimate: roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of.
Total: comprising the whole number or amount.
Phenolic: a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives.
Compound: a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture.
Methanol: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol amongst other names, is a chemical and the simplest alcohol. It is a light, volatile, colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odour similar to that of ethanol.
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