(Linn.) Roxb. var. amara (Roxb.) C. B. Clarke.
Family ► Cucurbitaceae.Habitat ► Throughout India.English ► Ribbed or Ridged Gourd (bitter var.).Ayurvedic ► Katukoshataki, Tik- takoshtaki.Action ► Plant—purgative, diuretic. Used for oedema, splenic enlargement, cough and asthma. Seeds— emetic, expectorant.The plant contains the oleanane type triterpene saponins. It is reported to exhibit antitumour activity.The fruit juice is used as a homoeopathic drug in hepatic congestion, irritation and inflammation of gastric mucosa.Dosage ► Leaf, fruit, root—10-20 ml juice. (CCRAS.)Article Categories:
Indian Medicinal Plants
