Research: Lycopene Extracted From Vietnamese Gac Fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) Alleviates Gout Pain via NLRP3 Receptor

Momordica cochinchinensis, or Vietnamese gac fruit, is not only a beloved ingredient in traditional dishes like gac sticky rice but is also revered for its extraordinary health benefits. Rich in vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, and especially lycopene, gac has been used in Vietnamese folk medicine for generations. Gac eaters often experience benefits for their skin, vision, and immune system, thanks to its high antioxidant content. Lycopene, in particular, stands out as one of the most potent antioxidants in nature, known for reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and especially inflammation-related conditions.

 

My journey into studying gac fruit began with a deeply personal motivation—my uncle’s battle with gout arthritis. Watching him suffer from painful flare-ups sparked a thought: Could this familiar fruit, so often cooked by my mother, be more than just a tasty dish? Could it actually help alleviate his symptoms? This curiosity pushed me to dive into scientific research, and with the mentorship of my instructor, PhD Trinh Tat Cuong, I began investigating whether lycopene extracted from gac could hold potential in treating inflammation caused by gout.

 

The research process was an incredible learning experience. Every step felt like uncovering a new layer of knowledge. Techniques I had never encountered in school—TLC (thin-layer chromatography), HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), ELISA, and Western blot—suddenly became part of my daily work. It was both thrilling and daunting. I was captivated by how these advanced methods allowed us to analyze biological processes with such precision. Yet, I also felt a sense of apprehension, especially when working with live animal models. I remember feeling a bit scared the first time I observed the mice during our experiments, knowing that their responses could reveal important insights, but also feeling the weight of responsibility.

 

After carefully extracting lycopene from Momordica cochinchinensis and conducting tests on both cells and mice, we saw promising results. Lycopene significantly reduced inflammation in gout models, specifically by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which plays a key role in acute gout inflammation. These findings suggest that lycopene could serve as a natural therapeutic for managing gout and possibly other inflammatory conditions.

 

This research has been both intellectually stimulating and emotionally rewarding. It has deepened my appreciation for the power of science to bridge personal experiences and global health challenges.

 

With this finding, me and my team has successfully won the Gold Medal in the International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG 2024.