English: Indian Snake Gourd or Palmate-leaved Trichosanthes, Scarlet Morning Glory
Hindi:चिचिंडा (Chichinda) – This name is generally used for the snake gourd family, and Trichosanthes palmata may be called something similar regionally.
Tamil: பாம்பரங்காய் (Pambarankai) – Similar to the common name for snake gourd.
Malayalam: പാമ്പ് പടവലം (Pamp Padavalam) – “Snake Gourd” is often referred to in this manner, though Trichosanthes palmata may have local variations.
Trichosanthes palmata, also known as Indian Snake Gourd or Palmate-leaved Trichosanthes, is a climbing plant species belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This plant is known for its various medicinal uses in traditional medicine and has attracted attention from researchers for its phytochemical properties.
Research has also focused on the antimicrobial properties of Trichosanthes palmata. Extracts from the plant have demonstrated activity against several pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. These antimicrobial properties are linked to the phytochemicals present in the leaves, stems, and roots.
Antioxidant activity has also been a subject of investigation, with studies showing that plant extracts can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, making it a potential candidate for anti-aging and cancer prevention therapies.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2020) explored the plant’s anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-lowering effects, highlighting its potential in managing diabetes-related inflammation.
The genus Trichosanthes is known for its trichosanthin protein, which has shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth. While specific studies on T. palmata are limited, it is closely related to species like Trichosanthes kirilowii, which has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer properties.
Leaf Arrangement
Shape-Palmate | Margin-Serrated | -Venation-palmate |
Useful plant parts:
Fruits
Trichosanthes palmata has been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including:
In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, related species from the Trichosanthes genus have been utilized to treat respiratory disorders and regulate blood sugar levels.
Studies on Trichosanthes palmata have revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, including:
Example Study:
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