Bitter Cucumber - Medicinal Plants : Medicinal Plants

Scientific name of Bitter Cucumber plant: Citrullus colocynthis

Name of Bitter Cucumber plant in different languages:-

English: Colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, desert gourd

Sanskrit: Gavakshi, Indravaruni, Vishaghni, Peetpushpi, Varuni, Vishvalli, Suravanini, Sthanukarmi, Dhanushreni

Hindi: Indravalli

Malayalam: Pekkummatti പേക്കുമ്മട്ടി, Kattuvellari കാട്ടുവെള്ളരി

Plant description:

It is an annual vine, found in wild areas, in warm, arid, and sandy areas, up to 1500 m. an altitude. stems are trailing herbaceous with rough hairs. Leaves are arranged alternately on a long stalk, triangular shaped, rough, variously undulating, blunt and hairy, fine green. Flowers are yellow, singly at axils. The fruit is globose, yellow, and smooth, in the inner part a white spongy pulp enclosing. seeds are ovate compressed, color white or brownish.

Useful plant parts:

Root, whole plant, fruit

Medicinal uses:

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, breast cancer, wounds, Kapaha disorders, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica and joint disorders with stiffness, etc.

Ayurveda uses Bitter Cucumber

Blood Sugar Regulation: Helps manage diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels.
Digestive Health: Supports digestion, alleviates constipation, and aids in liver function.
Weight Management: Aids in weight loss due to its low calorie and high fiber content.
Skin Disorders: Beneficial for skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Boosts Immunity: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, enhancing the immune system.
Respiratory Health: Assists in managing respiratory conditions like asthma.
Antioxidant Properties: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Detoxification: Assists in purifying the blood and eliminating toxins.
Balances Doshas: Particularly helpful in balancing Kapha dosha.

Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice and to determine the appropriate dosage and form (e.g., juice, supplement) for your specific health needs.

Chemical content:

Cucurbitacin, glucosides

One of the ingredients in the Ayurveda medicines like-

Learn more:

http://daru.tums.ac.ir/index.php/daru/article/view/275