Polypeptide-k (Gourdin - Trade Name) extracted from seeds of Momordica Charantia L. (Bitter Gourd) is soluble in 10% formic acid. On hydrolysis it shows 18000 mol. wt containing 19 amino acids. A total of 35 amino acids are arranged in four cycles in   interchangeable positions at 12, 13, 15-19, 25-27 and 31-34. Mass elctropectra did not show clear peaks due to noise but gave clear indications of two separate molecules with masses as 11474.32 + 8.77 and 11708.57 + 6.30.

The MS/MS search after trypsin digest sample of polypeptide-k showed 229 peptides with no matching with any known NCB nr database.  However, Edman sequencing did show one excellent matching peptide with Cucurbita maxima and another with a mixture of known sequence of this species.

The shelf life of this protein was calculated as 2 years. No toxicity was observed even at doses used (60 mg/Tab). A significant blood sugar lowering effect was observed on clinical trials on diabetic patients.

The polypeptide-k has been patented in India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Canada, S. Africa and USA after obtaining a search report from PCT. The product has been launched in China, and Malaysia and MOU signed with Japanese company.