Bristly luffa

The Scientific name of Bristly luffa: Luffa echinata

Name of Bristly luffa in different languages:-

English: Bitter Sponge Gourd, bitter luffa

Sanskrit: जीमूतः jimuta, Koshataki, Karkati

Hindi: घागरबेल ghagarbel, बिन्दाल bindaal, ककोड़ा kakora

Tamil: பேய்ப்பீர்க்கு pey-p-pirkku

Malayalam: Puttil peera, Mullan peechil

Plant description:

It is a climber vine spreading with tendrils, slightly hairy, spread over bushes and hedges. The leaves are kidney-shaped, simple, arranged alternately, 3 to 5-lobed, margin serrated, and pubescent. Flowers are white, or yellow, and found in axillary panicles. Fruits are spiny, ashy, slightly oblong, color yellowish, and contain many seeds, which are embedded in the pulp, and intensely bitter. Flowering is August-September.

Leaf Arrangement

Useful plant parts:

Fruits, Whole plant

Medicinal uses of Bristly Luffa

To treat sinusitis, bronchitis, Stomach disorders, colic, edema, epilepsy, inflammation, low BP, Stomach pain etc.

In traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, various parts of Luffa echinata have been used for their potential therapeutic properties. Here are some of its traditional uses:

1. Digestive Health: The fruit of Luffa echinata is used in some traditional practices for its potential digestive benefits. It is believed to help with conditions like indigestion, flatulence, and constipation.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The fruit may have anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used in some traditional systems to address inflammation-related conditions.
3. Antioxidant Activity: Luffa echinata contains compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity. This may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
4. Respiratory Health: In certain traditional practices, Luffa echinata may be used to address respiratory conditions. It is believed to have expectorant properties that help clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
5. Skin Conditions: The fruit and seeds of Luffa echinata have been used topically for their potential benefits on the skin. They are believed to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for conditions like skin irritation and inflammation.
6. Urinary Health: Some traditional uses suggest that Luffa echinata may have benefits for urinary health. It is believed to have diuretic properties that promote healthy kidney function.
7. Antimicrobial Properties: Certain parts of Luffa echinata may have antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for fighting against certain types of infections.
8. Hepatoprotective: Some traditional practices suggest that Luffa echinata may have hepatoprotective properties, meaning it may help protect the liver from damage.

Medicinal properties:

Purgative, Antiseptic,

Chemical contents:

β-Sitosterol, oleanolic acid, cucurbitacin, saponin, echinate, and flavonoids

Used as an ingredient in:

Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam

Learn more:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24625944