Trace elements study using x-ray fluorescence, charantin accumulation and squalene synthase gene expression in different Momordica charantia Linn fruit

Momordica charantia is a medicinal plant comprising of antidiabetic properties. Along with this, it has been recognized as a good source of trace elements which are beneficial for health. So it is important to find the actual trace element content in different M. charantia fruits cultivated in different areas. We have found 12 elements varying within the fruit parts where the fruit pulp was found to be key reservoir of calcium, manganese, potassium and sulfur. Charantin, being one of the important antidiabetic compounds found in M. charantia, were estimated using HPLC and found to be accumulated at maximum in the Tamluk region. Squalene synthase is the rate limiting enzyme in phytosterol biosynthesis and therefore, we have characterized the M. charantia Squalene Synthase (McSQS) gene, went through an in silico study and tried to find the expression correlation with charantin content in M. charantia fruits, where we found that McSQS expression is highest in Tamluk region.