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