Phytochemical Richness & Pharmacological Activities of Ash Gourd
- Kalpesh Rajendra Yeole
- Sep 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Abstract
Benincasa hispida, commonly known as ash gourd or winter melon, is a notable plant in traditional medicine systems for its diverse pharmacological properties. This review highlights its botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional uses, and phytochemical composition. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as phenolics, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, carotenes, and β-sitosterin. Pharmacological activities include central nervous effects, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial effects. Future research should focus on human clinical studies to confirm these therapeutic effects.
Benincasa hispida, also known as ash gourd, is an annual climbing plant native to Asia. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and has various vernacular names, including wax gourd, winter melon, and ash pumpkin. It holds significant importance in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic practices, and is widely grown in India, Burma, and Sri Lanka.
Botanical Description
Stem: Stout, angular, and hispid.
Leaves: Reniform orbicular with 5-7 lobes, hairy and ovate-triangular.
Flowers: Yellow, unisexual; male peduncle 7.5-10 cm long, female peduncle shorter.
Fruits: Broadly cylindrical, 30-45 cm long, hairy with a waxy bloom that disappears upon maturity.
Taxonomy
Parts Used
- Fruit
- Seeds
- Seed oil
- Leaves
Synonyms
- Kushmanda
- Pushpaphala
- Pitaphushpa
- Karkaru
- Aaru
Phytochemical Composition
- Phenolics
- Triterpenoids
- Flavonoids
- Glycosides
- Carotenes
- β-Sitosterin
Pharmacological Activities
Central Nervous System
- Anxiolytic
- Muscle relaxant
- Antidepressant
- Treatment for Alzheimer's disease
Other Effects
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Diuretic
- Nephroprotective
- Antidiabetic
- Hypolipidemic
- Antimicrobial
Traditional Uses in Ayurveda
Properties and Action
Mature Fruit: Madhura rasa has an alkaline nature, is light to digest, is diuretic, laxative & has tridosahara properties.
Immature Fruit: Alleviates Pitta dosa, possesses nootropic and Kapha increasing properties.
Seed Oil: Sweet taste, cold potency, pacifies Vata and Pitta dosas, acts as a laxative-diuretic.
Medhya Rasayana
Kushmanda is used in Ayurvedic medicines like Kusmanda lehyam and Kushmanda ghruta for treating psychiatric & nervous disorders.
Mutravaha Srotas
Acts as a diuretic and is used in managing urine retention and urinary calculi.
Anti-ulcer Activity
Kushmanda Avaleha and other preparations soothe the stomach lining, modulate gastric secretion, and relieve peptic ulcer symptoms.
Respiratory Illness
Used in managing cough, hiccough, bleeding disorders, and chronic bronchitis.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Contains flavonoids like rutin and quercitrin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Nutritive Value
- High-water content (96%)
- Rich source of dietary fibers, Vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenes.
- Contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and phosphorous.
- Low in calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Health Benefits
- Aids in weight loss
- Promotes gut health
- Boosts immunity
- Regulates digestive function
- Treats stomach acids and associated issues
- Enhances energy levels
- Provides a cooling effect
Adverse Effects
- Contains anti-nutritional factors that may reduce nutrient absorption.
- High consumption may lead to calcium renal calculi.
- Toxicological studies on animals suggest it is safe when consumed in moderation.
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Conclusion
Benincasa hispida is a valuable plant with significant nutritional and medicinal properties. It offers potential benefits in modern medicine, functional foods, and nutraceutical formulations. Further research is needed to explore its full potential and confirm its therapeutic effects through human clinical studies.
References
1. India Biodiversity Portal. Benincasa hispida. Available at [India Biodiversity Portal](https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/244546)
2. Sharma PV. Dravyaguna Vijnana, part 4, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi; 2006. Page 14
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Department of Ayush. Ayurveda Pharmacopeia of India. Part 1. Vol 4. Kushmanda. Page 55
4. Bhavamishra. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu Varanasi: Chaukambha Krishnadas Academy; 2011.
5. Chandre, R., Upadhyay, B. N., & Murthy, K. H. (2011). Clinical evaluation of Kushmanda Ghrita in the management of depressive illness. Ayu, 32(2), 230–233.
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