Bitter gourd—karela—is a vegetable that is good to fight diabetes. It has been popular in ayurvedic systems, due to its anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, contraceptive and insecticidal properties. Bitter gourd juice (BGJ) has a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals including vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are known to possess both high antioxidant potential and anti-diabetic activity. Apart from phenolics several other bioactive molecules in bitter gourd include steroidal saponins, charantin, insulin like peptides, glycoalkaloids, vicine, momorcharin, oleanolic acids, triterpenes, trehalose and momordin. However, simple preparation of juice does not extract bioactive principals to the full extent. Moreover, although health benefits of bitter gourd are well documented and well known, its use is still limited due to its extremely bitter taste which limits its consumer acceptability. BARC has developed a technology for preparation of de-bitter Karela juice having high bioactivity. De-bitter Karela juice is prepared by using all GRAS chemicals and enzymes.
ADVANTAGES
- Can be easily prepared using locally available raw materials.
- Has clear appearance and is completely de-bittered
- Has high antidiabetic activity
- Has distinctly better physiological properties such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition as compared to commercially available products
- Can be used as an alternative for management of diabetes and obesity.
RAW MATERIALS
- Bitter gourd
- Hydrolytic enzymes
- Additives for de-bittering (GRAS status)
EQUIPMENTS
- Overhead stirrer with motor and temperature control
- Fruit pulping machine
- Bottle filling and pasteurizing machine
- SPACE
- Factory shade of 600 sq. ft. area (30 ft. x 20 ft) with potable water facilities.
POWER
- Three phase power connection.
MANPOWER
- Minimum two laboratory technician are required for production of 100 L of de-bittered juice. Actual manpower would depend on production capacity.
For further details, contact:
Head, Technology Transfer and Collaboration Division
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai 400 085.
Fax :+91-22- 25505151
technology@barc.gov.in
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