ETHNOMEDICINAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF TRICHOSANTHES ANGUINA LINN.-A REVIEW

Abstract

The comprehensive information is provided in this review on Trichosanthes anguina(syn T. cucumerina) traditional uses, ethnobotanical aspects, phytochemistry andpharmacological uses. All-embracing literature survey given way to the promisingpharmacological activities of T. cucumerina i.e. antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic,anti-fertility, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-HIV, anti-arthritic,cytoprotective, antiovulatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diarrhoeal and analgesic. Thetherapeutic uses of T. anguina include its usefulness for treatment of woundsincluding boils, sores, skin eruptions such as eczema and dermatitis. It is a tropical orsubtropical vine, raised for its strikingly long fruit, used as a vegetable, medicine.Roots are used for its antidiabetic, anthelmintic activities. Leaves juice rubbed overthe liver in remittent fever, skin diseases, antispasmodic, emetic, hypoglycaemicactivity. It has long been used as appetizer, laxative, aphrodisiac and blood purifierand also in cardiac failure. The stem is used for bilious disorders, skin diseases