After years of effort, the Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (HDARES) under the Ministry of Agriculture has successfully developed several new varieties of bitter melon (Hualien No. 1 to Hualien No. 8) with special functions. This achievement lays a solid foundation for the industrialization of bitter melon. Notably, Hualien No. 6 shows protective effects against oxidative stress in kidney cells, Hualien No. 7 offers protection and even proliferation functions against uremic stress in kidney cells, and Hualien No. 8 demonstrates inhibitory effects on triple-negative breast cancer cells, also reducing tumor occurrence in animal tests.

Research on Special Functions of Bitter Melon: Collaborative Efforts between Medicine and Agriculture

Due to the cross-pollinating nature of bitter melon, achieving stable traits has been challenging. HDARES has stabilized these traits through breeding techniques and collaborated with Tzu Chi University to lay the foundation for the industrialization of its special functions. Initially, HDARES developed Hualien No. 1 to Hualien No. 3, improving the bitter melon to resemble regular bitter gourd in appearance, aligning with industry standards. Subsequently, in collaboration with medical research institutions like Tzu Chi University, significant progress was made in researching the special functions of bitter melon. Hualien No. 4 and No. 5 were developed to stabilize wild bitter melon characteristics, targeting the health food market. Further collaboration led to the creation of Hualien No. 6 to No. 8, incorporating tests for special functions into the breeding process. These new varieties' successful development underscores the importance of stable bitter melon traits for the industrialization of special functions.

Diverse Functions of Bitter Melon: New Varieties from HDARES Aid in Kidney Protection, Cancer Prevention, and Eye Protection

Bitter melon's functions are not limited to blood sugar regulation; it also boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Recent studies have revealed that some bitter melons possess anti-cancer activities. HDARES has conducted in-depth research on these special functions, developing various new varieties with distinct benefits. Hualien No. 6 mitigates oxidative stress damage in kidney cells, Hualien No. 7 reduces uremic stress damage in kidney cells, Hualien No. 8 inhibits triple-negative breast cancer cells, and the bitter melon germplasm N-sib has the function of repairing retinal cell damage. Consequently, the development of Hualien No. 9 will focus on N-sib offspring lines, catering to the significant eye protection needs of the digital age.

Director Lihua Du stated that the development of these new varieties marks a new frontier for the industrialization of bitter melon with special functions. HDARES will continue to dedicate efforts to the breeding and research of new bitter melon varieties, aiming to maximize their special functions and bring more health benefits to the public.

Resource (mandarin): 花蓮農改場研發特殊機能山苦瓜！ 主攻抗癌、護眼、腎臟機能保護市場！