(exerpt) Nutritional Analyses of Gac Fruit

A team in Thailand recently analyzed the phytochemicals in three fractions of gac fruit: the peel, pulp, and aril (the fleshy covering of the seeds). They found that the aril contains the highest levels of both lycopene and beta-carotene, and the peel (yellow) contained the greatest amount of lutein. Among the phenolic compounds identified in gac fruit, gallic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were found in all three fractions, and ferulic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were present in the highest levels in the pulp. Of flavonoids, myricetin was the only one found in all three fractions, while apigenin was most abundant in the pulp (red), and rutin and luteolin had their highest content in aril.

The antioxidant activity levels of gac fruit extracts varied. Aril extract had the highest FRAP value, while the highest antioxidant activity of the peel and pulp extracts were found at the immature stage of development. The antioxidant value of seed extracts increased from the mature to the ripe stage. (Kubola 2011)

Gac pulp contains fat that plays an important part in the absorption of the carotenes, vitamin E, and other fat-soluble nutrients in the fruit. Having the fat in powder form makes it much easier for individuals to benefit from the nutrients. A research team evaluated the impact of inlet drying air temperature and maltodextrin on the physiocochemical and antioxidant attributes of gac aril powder. Overall, the scientists found that it is possible to produce good quality gac powder in terms of color total carotenoid content, and total antioxidant activity when it is spray-dried at inlet temperatures of 120 degrees C with the addition of maltodextrin concentration at 10% weight/volume. (Kha 2010)

An evaluation of the carotenoids present in gac fruit was conducted by a Japanese research team. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze the concentrations of beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Lycopene was most abundant in the seed membrane at a concentration of up to 380 micrograms per gram of membrane, which is tenfold higher than what is found in fruits and vegetables rich in lycopene. The researchers also found that the lycopene and beta-carotene content of the seeds was much greater than that found in the pulp. (Aoki 2002)

The vast amount of Lycopene in this fruit powder, LYCOFAK™ is now known to be an effective natural remedie in combating prostate cancer in men. A doubleblind study of 26 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer has shown that lycopene significantly decreased tumors to less than 4mm in size in a number of subjects, and decreased a number with cancer of extra-prostatic tissue. This effect is attributed to lycopene’s antioxidant and DNA protective properties.

In Vietnam, the name gac fruit (Qua gac) is prized by natives for promoting longevity and vitality. In a supplementation trial among Vietnamese children, gac fruit increased serum vitamin A levels more than synthetic beta-carotene or other phytonutrients.

LYCOFAK™ Momordica cochinchinensis spreng is known by several names such as, gac fruit, sweet gourd, & spiny bitter gourd, and spring bitter melon.

The Thai LYCOFAK™ Momordica cochichinensis [Gac fruit] vine produces up to 60 fruits weighing 1-3 kg each in one season (Shadeque and Sharma Baruah, 1984). The seeds, known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as “Mubiezi”, are thought to have resolvent and cooling properties and are used for liver, spleen disorders, wounds, hemorrhoids, bruises, and swelling. Note: Siam Natural ™ LYCOFAK™is manufactured from the fresh aril only.