Abstract: Objective: To study the isolation, purification and composition of Momordica charantia L. polysaccharide(MC). Methods MC was purified by DEAE ion-exchange cellulose (DEAE-52) and Sephadex G-100.The components of the saccha- ride were determined by GC and TLC. Its MW was measured by gel filtration. The form of glucosidic bond was determined by IR. Results: Rhamnose, xylose galactose, and arabinose were found in MCP4 with the molar ratio of 1:0.75:1.83:0.85 while galactose was found in MCP2. Their average MWs were estimated respectively to be 5.37×104 and 9.65×104. Typical absorption of polysaccharide was shown in their IR spectrum. They had no typical absorption of nucleic acid or protein by UV scanning. Conclusion: MCP2 and MCP4 are first isolated fromM omordica charantia L.

Key words: Momordica charantia L., polysaccharide, isolation, purification, composition