Abstract Paper
| Title | : PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF TRICHOSANTHES CUCUMERINA |
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| Author(s) | : Ahzam Basha, S. and A. Poongothai |
| Article Information | : Volume 9 - Issue 02 (December - 2025) , 1103-1109 |
| Affiliation(s) | : Department of Biochemistry, Sacred Heart College (Autonmous) Tirupattur-635 601, Tamil Nadu, India. |
Abstract :
Trichosanthes cucumerina L., commonly known as snake gourd, is a tropical climber of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely distributed in Asia and Africa. It has long been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine for treating ailments such as diabetes, fever, jaundice, respiratory disorders, and skin diseases. Phytochemical studies reveal the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cucurbitacins, glycosides, saponins, phenolics, and triterpenoids, which are linked to its broad pharmacological activities. Experimental findings have demonstrated antidiabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of extracts derived from different parts of the plant. The fruit also provides important nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Toxicological studies suggest that T. cucumerina is relatively safe at therapeutic doses, though higher concentrations may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Despite promising preclinical evidence, only limited clinical trials are available, indicating the need for standardized studies and advanced formulations. This review consolidates current knowledge on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety profile of Trichosanthes cucumerina, highlighting its role as a potential source for novel herbal drugs.
| Keywords | : Trichosanthes cucumerina, Snake gourd, Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicine. |
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| Document Type | : Research Paper |
| Publication date | : January 02, 2026 |