Momordica charantia L. Confers Multifaceted Protection Against 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Injury via Inhibition of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and Tight Junction Disruption

Momordica charantia L. (MC), also referred to as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a Cucurbi taceae plant renowned for its medicinal benefits. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is employed as a frontline chemotherapeutic agent, with its antitumor activity mediated through the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis. However, its therapeutic efficacy is often compromised by serious adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal inflammation. Therefore, this research examined the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Momordica charantia fruit (EMC) in mitigating 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Mucositis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal administration of 5-FU at 50 mg/kg from experimental days 4 to 7, with EMC administered orally at doses of 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg once daily for ten consecutive days. 5-FU exposure resulted in severe intestinal injury, manifested by markedly upregulated inflammation and oxidative stress. EMC treatment significantly reversed these pathophysiological alterations, restoring mucosal architecture and function. Furthermore, EMC effectively reduced the 5-FU-induced release of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers. These results demonstrate that EMC acts as a novel protective modulator of 5-FU-induced mucositis, offering substantial translational potential as an adjunctive supportive therapy in colorectal cancer management.