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Botanical Classification |
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Botanical classification |
kingdom |
Plantae |
division |
Magnoliophyta |
Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Violales |
family |
Cucurbitaceae |
Genus |
Citrullus |
Species |
Colocynthis |
Citrullus colocynthis |
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Family |
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Botanical- cucurbitaceae
Ayurvedic- koshataki kul
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Other Names |
- English name- Bitter Cucumber, colocynth
- Hindi name- indryan
- Sanskrit name- indravena
- Gujrati name - indravana
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Habitat |
It is found in warmer climate and tropical areas like that of Africa, especially in the region of Nubian. It is also seen in southern part of Asia including India, Pakistan and southern islands. This tree is native of dry areas around Africa and turkey. It is easily found in desert areas of Sahara. And in the Mediterranean region |
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Morphology |
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It is a perennial herbaceous vine that has rough and an angular stem having rough hairs. Leaves are alternately arranged on the petioles. Leaves are rough to touch and are about 6 to 10 centimeter long. It is generally 3 to 7 lobed. Flower is yellow and is seen on the axils of the leaves. It is monoecious, single and pedunculated. Fruits are globular with yellow color and smooth texture. It is hard and has a rind around it. It is about 4 to 10 centimeter in diameter; it contains large number of seeds in it which are ovoid, compressed and smooth.
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Chemical Constituents |
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Its pulp contains certain chemical agents like colocynthin, certain fixed or stable oils, resins that are not soluble in ether, sticky substances i.e. gums , pectin, certain minerals like calcium and magnesium. Traces of magnesium phosphates have also been seen. Lignin is also present. Their active ingredients are phytosterol glycoside, elaterin, albuminoids. It also contains bitter substance colocynthin and colocynthetin. Seeds contain phytosterolin 2 phytosterols and hydrocarbons, polysaccharides and glycosides.it also contains anti tuberous agents like cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin E.
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Pharmacology |
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It is used as purgative and allows reliving the intestines from constipation. It also has a vermifugal action. It is very much used as a blood purifier and is a good remedy in cases of poisoning like snake bite and scorpion bite. It is also used to eradicate the tumors present in the stomach or in the region of the gastro intestinal tract. It also stimulates liver and regularizes bile secretion. It is also used in scrapping out the corns and warts on the skin. It more pronouncedly used in anti cancerous drugs, hence it is effective in leukemia i.e. blood disorder. It also a good remedy against a disease known as ascites. It is also a good remedy against menstrual disorders. It uses have also been seen in joint pains and arthritis. Kidneys are also stimulated by it hence it also keeps the urinary tract fine.
According to ayurveda it contains
- Gunna (properties) - laghu (light), tikshan (sharp), ruksh (dry)
- Rasa (taste) – tickt (bitter)
- Virya (potency) – ushan (hot)
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Toxicology |
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If it is not managed properly it is very dangerous to consume and it is always consumed under strict medical supervision as it can be fatal.
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Plant part used |
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Dried pulp of fruit and root
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Indication |
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- Constipation
- Tumors
- Liver disorders
- Jaundice
- Ascites
- Ulcers
- Menstrual disorders
- Urine infection
- Menstrual disturbances
- Cancer
Contraindication
It should not be used in pregnant ladies, children and week people.
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Uses |
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Its dried pulp is being used in various forms. May it be powder or it can be paste made out. It is mainly used in the form of tumors, ulcers and cancerous growth as its main function is scrapping out the extra tissues. It is also used in constipation as it is a strong purgative
In other uses it is used as moth repellent due to its peculiar odor.
Ayurvedic classical preparation
Narayan churan
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