British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

16(5): 1-10, 2017; Article no.BJPR.33575 ISSN: 2231-2919, NLM ID: 101631759

Medicinal Values of Trichosanthus cucumerina L. (Snake ) - A Review

N. Deepa Devi 1*

1#Department of Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, .

Author’s contribution

The sole author designed, analyzed and interpreted and prepared the manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/BJPR/2017/33575 Editor(s): (1) Shanfa Lu, Institute of Medicinal Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, . (2) Rafik Karaman, Bioorganic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, USA. Reviewers: (1) João Carlos da Silva Dias, University of Lisbon, Portugal. (2) Viduranga Waisundara, Rajarata University of , Sri Lanka. Complete Peer review History: http://www.sciencedomain.org/review-history/19159

Received 21 st April 2017 th Review Article Accepted 15 May 2017 Published 22 nd May 2017

ABSTRACT

Snake gourd is an annual climber and it’s commonly called as snake gourd, viper gourd, snake or long tomato. The is usually consumed as a vegetable due to it is good nutritional value. The fruit is a good source of , Vitamin B and Vitamin C. It improves the appetite and acts as a tonic and stomachic and cures biliousness. This is one of the most genetically diverse groups of food plant in the plant kingdom and every part of this plant is used to treat various diseases. It is used in the treatment of head ache, alopecia, fever, abdominal tumors, bilious, boils, acute colic, diarrohea, haematuria and skin allergy. T. curcumineria is used as an abortifacient, vermifuge, stomachic, refrigerant, purgative, malaria, laxative, hydragogue, hemagglutinant, emetic, cathartic, bronchitis and anthelmintic. This review paper completed focus on the biosystematics, nutritional, chemical constituents and scientific medicinal uses of the plant.

Keywords: Snake gourd; cucumerina L; Phytochemicals; chemical substance; medicinal uses.

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*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]; #Post Doctoral Fellow (UGC - India)

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1. INTRODUCTION (syn. Trichosanthes multiloba Clarke ), Trichosanthes nervifolia L., Trichosanthes Snake gourd is scientifically called as cordata Roxb., Trichosanthes japonica and Tricosanthes cucumerina is a well known plant, Trichosanthes shikokiana . The botanical name of the fruit of which is mainly consumed as a snake gourd is sometimes known as vegetable. It is an annual climber belonging to L. but the most the family . It is commonly called common is Trichosanthes anguina L. the species as snake gourd, viper gourd, snake tomato or Trichosanthes celebica , Trichosanthes ovigera long tomato [1,2]. The fruit is usually consumed and Trichosanthes villosa are minor . as a vegetable due to it is good nutritional value. Trichosanthes cucumeroides , commonly known The fruit is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B as the Japanese snake gourd is grown in Japan and Vitamin C. It improves the appetite and acts and China. The species Trichosanthes bracteata as a tonic and stomachic and cures biliousness. (Lam.) Voigt. var. tomentosa (Heyne ex Clarke) The wild bitter forms are used in many ayurvedic Chak. occurs in India in the peninsular region preparations. The of cultivated forms also and north eastern zone. Trichosanthes bracteata have medicinal uses and are useful for people var. bracteata is distributed all over the country suffering from blood pressure, heart diseases, but largely in eastern India, the Himalayas up to rheumatism and psoriasis. The plant is richly an elevation of 1500 m and extending constituted with a series of chemical constituents southwards to the Andaman Islands. like flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids which Trichosanthes cucumerina (L), perhaps a wild makes the plant pharmacologically and form of Trichosanthes anguina occurs almost therapeutically active. It has a prominent place in throughout India and Trichosanthes cordata alternative systems of medicine like Ayurveda (Roxb.) grows wild in peninsular India and North- and Siddha due to it is various pharmacological Eastern plains and hills [6]. activities like antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, larvicidal effects 4. CYTOLOGY [3,4]. All species of Trichosanthes have chromosomes, 2. n=11 and 2n=22 except Trichosanthes bracteata and Trichosanthes cucumeroides in which n=22 Cucurbitaceae is a plant family commonly known and 2n=44. Tetraploids (2n=44) and hexaploids as melons, or cucurbits and includes (2n=66) have been reported in Trichosanthes crops like , squashes (including palmate . Induced polyploids in Trichosanthes pumpkins), , melons (including anguina showed quadrivalents, trivalents, watermelons). The family is predominantly bivalents and univalents. Only two species, distributed around the tropics, where those with Trichosanthes anguina and Trichosanthes edible fruits were amongst the earliest cultivated cucumerina are monoecious while all others are in both the old and new world. Major dioecious. The species with 2n-=22 genera under this family are Trichosanthes (100 chromosomes had metacentric to submetacentric species), Cayaponia (60 species), Momordica medium – sized (5.74 mm to 1.48 mm) (47 species), Gurania (40 species), Sicyos (40 chromosomes. There were only three pairs of species) and Cucumis (34species). This is one of chromosomes with secondary constriction in the most genetically diverse groups of food plant Trichosanthes anguina and Trichosanthes in the plant kingdom [5,6]. cucumerina. The presence of XY sex chromosomes were recorded in Trichosanthes 3. BIOSYSTEMATICS cucumeriodes and Trichosanthes japonica at meiosis and in Trichosanthes multiloba at metaphase. The species, Trichosanthes anguina, The Trichosanthes has two cultivated Trichosanthes cucumerina and Trichosanthes species Trichosanthes anguina L. and lobata are crossable among themselves with Roxb. And several fertile hybrids indicating their close relationship wild species. The important wild species [6]. are Trichosanthes bracteata (Lam.) Voigt. (Syn. Trichosanthes palmata Roxb. ), which is most 5. REGIONAL NAME widely distributed in India, Trichosanthes cucumerina L. having a large variability, The genus Trichosanthes has two cultivated Trichosanthes lobata, Trichosanthes wallichiana species Trichosanthes cucumerina L.

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(synonyms: Trichosanthes anguina L.) and 7. MORPHOLOGY Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. The regional names of snake gourd or snake tomato is The plant of Tricosanthes cucumerina is a Chichinga/Chichinge (Bengali), Potlakaaya monoecious annual herb climbing by 2–3- (Telugu), Pudalankaai (Tamil), Aduvalakaayi branched tendrils upto 5 to 6 meters high or less. (Kannada), Padavalanga (Malayalam), Galartori The stems are slender, green, 4-angled, (Punjabi), Padavali (Gujarathi), Schlangen – somewhat hairy, and faintly disagreeable in odor. Haargurke and Chichinda (Hindi), Wang Gua The roots are somewhat tuberous and whitish. (China), Trikosantes, Lang Tomat (Dan), The are alternate, simple with no stipules. Haarbloem (Dut), Courge Serpent, Serpent Leaves are scabrid hairy on both surfaces, Vegetal, Serpent Japonais (France), rounded in outline, 7 to 14 centimeters long and Schlangengurke, Uri (Germany), Petola Ular broad, and 3 or 5-lobed, the lobes being broad, (Mal), Karasu-uri-zoku, Hebi-Uri (Japan), Patola rounded or obtuse, and the sinuses broad or (Srilanka), Serpentona, Zucchetta cinese (Italy), narrow and rounded. The base is broadly heart- Abóbora-Serpente, Patola (Portugal), shaped. The staminate inflorescences are long- Käärmekurkku (Finland), Buap Nguu Ma Noi peduncled and axillary, with six to fifteen flowers. (Thailand), Yilan Kabagi (Turkey), Anguina, Flowers are unisexual, regular, and white in Calabaza De Culebra, Culebrina, Serpiente colour with green and hairy calyx. Corolla is Vegetal, Calabaza, Anguina (Spain) and tubular in with lobes fringed and hair like Pakupis, Tabubok (Tal) [7]. outgrowths. The male flowers are many-flowered with axillary racemes on 10–30 cm long 6. ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION peduncles. They are with 3 stamens but the female flowers are solitary and sessile with Snake gourd is originated in India or in the Indian inferior, single celled ovary, long and with hairy Archipelago. The genus Trichosanthes is native stigmas [9]. Fruits are very slender, long and to Southern and Eastern , and cylindrical berry, often twisted, greenish-white Islands of the western Pacific. Trichosanthes when immature, dark red when mature. The cucumerina is found wild throughout these areas. seeds are half-ellipsoid, somewhat compressed, It was probably domesticated in ancient times in undulate, hard, rugose, nearly one centimeter India. It is grown as a minor vegetable in many long, greyish-brown, sculptured, margin undulate countries of tropical Asia. It is locally grown as a and imbedded in a soft foetid with red pulp [10]. vegetable in home gardens in . Commercial growers around big cities in East Africa 8. PHYTOCHEMICALS occasionally grow cultivars of snake gourd imported from India for people of Indian origin. It 8.1 Nutrients is also reported from India through Malaya to tropical Australia. Trichosanthes cucumerina is a Tricosanthes cucumerina is a rich source of newly introduced crop of increasing importance nutrition. It is highly constituted with proteins, fat, in several parts of Africa, including Ghana and fibre, carbohydrates, vitamin A and E. The total Nigeria. The genus Trichosanthes comprises phenolics and flavonoids content is 46.8% and about 100 species, of which a few have been 78.0% respectively 7. The fruit is rich in Vitamin domesticated in Asia, snake gourd being the C and E. The crude protein content is 30.18%. most important. Two varieties are distinguished The predominant mineral elements were within Trichosanthes cucumerina . They are the potassium (121.60 mg 100-1 g) and phosphorus wild var. cucumerina occurring from India, Sri (135.0 mg 100-1 g). Other elements found in Lanka and China, through South-East Asia, to fairly high amounts are Sodium, Magnesium and northern Australia, and the cultivated var. Zinc [11]. anguina (L.). Only traditional landraces of Trichosanthes cucumerina are used in West and 9. TRITERPENES AND CHEMICAL Central Africa, whereas improved cultivars from SUBSTANCES India are grown in East Africa.6 It is distributed in temperate Asian regions like china, tropical The triterpenes found are 23, 24- regions of , India, , Sri dihydrocucurbitacin D, 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin Lanka, ; Vietnam, ; ; B, cucurbitacin B, 3 β-hydroxyolean- 13(18)-en- Philippines, in Australia it is found in Northern 28-oic acid, 3-oxo-olean-13(18)-en-30- oic acid Territory, Queens land and in Western Australia and the sterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-24 ξ- [8]. ethylcholest-7,22-dien-3β-ol.10 The percentage

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free fatty acid and acid values were low bilious, boils, acute colic, diarrohea, haematuria suggesting increased stability and usefulness in and skin allergy. T. curcumineria is used as an nutritional and industrial applications [12]. The abortifacient, vermifuge, stomachic, refrigerant, chemical constituents present in T. cucumerina purgative, malaria, laxative, hydragogue, are cucurbitacin B, cucurbitacin E, hemagglutinant, emetic, cathartic, bronchitis and isocucurbitacin B, 23,24-dihydroisocucurbitacin anthelmintic [15]. B, 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin E, sterols 2 β- sitosterol stigmasterol 11. Low amount of 10.1 Root chemical substances like oxalate, phytates and tannins are also present. Analysis showed that Two ounces of root juice has a drastic purgative the seed of Trichosanthes cucumerina have high action. Roots are used for expelling worms. In oil content up to 42.5±5%. The presence of China roots used for diabetes, skin swellings like common protein bands among the species may boils and furuncles. Fresh root has anti- be an evidence of evolutionary origin and many convulsant activity. Bulbous part of the root is protein bands found to be unique in the used as a hydragogue and cathartic. Root is Trichosanthes cucumerina suggested that there abortifacient, alexiteric, anthelmintic, anti-septic, is no genetic relationship with Lycopersicon astringent, diuretic and emetic [23]. [13,14,11]. 10.2 Leaves A galactose-specific lectin and ribosome- inactivating protein named trichoanguin13 are juice is rubbed over the whole body in present in aerial parts [15,14]. The bulk of remittent fevers. Dried leaf has anti-spasmodic carotenoids made of lutein is present in the property. An infusion of tender and dried concentration of 15.6 -18.4 mg/100g FW15. capsules is aperient, and the expressed juice of Circular dichroism spectroscopic studies reveal the leaves is emetic. The leaves and stems are that TCSL contains about 28.4% beta-sheet, used for bilious disorders and skin diseases and 10.6% beta-turns, 7% polyproline type 2 as an emmenagogue. Leaf is alexiteric, structure, with the remainder comprising astringent, diuretic and emetic [23]. unordered structure; the alpha-helix content is negligible.16,17 The α- carotene contents were 10.3 Fruits 10.3 - 10.7 mg/100g FW and the β- carotene contents were found to be 2.4 - 2.8 mg/100g. The ascorbic acid content found was 24.8 – 25.7 The fruit is considered to be anthelmintic. The mg/100g fresh weight and lycopene content dried capsules are given in infusion or in was16.0 and 18.1 mg/100g FW [16,17,18,11]. decoction with sugar to assist digestion the fruit a very violent purgative and an efficient emetic 10. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ITS [23].

USES 10.4 Seeds

Chemical modifications carried out with imidazole The seed is said to be cooling. The dried seeds side chains of histidine residues with are used for it is anthelmintic and anti-diarrhoeal ethoxyformic anhydride on the galactose-specific properties. Seeds have anti-bacterial, anti- lectin (SGSL) purified from snake gourd. spasmodic, antiperiodic and insecticidal Trichosanthes seeds indicated that the loss of properties. It is used as abortifacient, acrid, activity upon modification was not due to aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, febrifuge, changes in the overall conformation of the purgative, toxic, trichogenous [23]. lecithin18, 19. A novel isoflavone glucoside,

5,6,6'-trimethoxy-3',4'- ethylenedioxyisoflavone7- O-beta-D-(2''-O-p-coumaroylglucopyranoside) 11. HEALTH BENEFITS has been characterized from the seeds of Trichosanthes 20. The positive effects of the plant 11.1 Detoxify the Body are due to the carotenoids, flavonoids, lycopene, phenolics and ß-carotene present in it [19,20,21, It has been used as a diuretic in traditional 22]. medicine for many years, as it stimulates the liver and increases urination, thereby speeding up the Tricosanthes cucumerina is used in the treatment elimination of toxins from the body. It also of head ache, alopecia, fever, abdominal tumors, increases the creation of bodily fluids, which can

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eliminate dryness and dehydration, which also 11.7 Fever helps in the normal functioning of the kidneys and bladder. Juice from the leaves can also Snake gourd has been found to help reduce stimulate vomiting in case something toxic has bilious fever. If you add a bit of chiretta and been consumed [24]. honey, the efficacy of snake gourd is increased and it will be able to treat bilious fever quickly 11.2 Digestive and effectively. Many cases have been recorded where snake gourd is used along with coriander Children with bowel problems have been given leaves, where this mixture was found to be more snake gourd to ease their discomfort, as it effective in treating bilious fever. This juice has acts as a mild laxative. Furthermore, the high been used as an emetic to induce vomiting. It fiber content of snake gourd can help anyone has been found to be effective in treating malarial with bowel disorders and can eliminate fever as well [24]. constipation, reduce cramping and bloating and optimize the nutrient absorption process in the 11.8 Diabetes body [24]. Snake gourd has been mooted to help lessen the 11.3 Fever Reduction effects of diabetes. Although Chinese therapy regularly includes snake gourd in the treatment In many tropical countries, fever can be a major of diabetes, the vegetable is generally a low- danger to public health, regardless of it is cause. calorie food. This makes it the ideal food to help Snake gourd can be turned into a decoction and keep weight under control, yet provide the proper given to people suffering from fever. Overnight, nutrition to people with Type-II diabetics [24]. fevers tend to break and the natural healing process can begin [24]. 11.9 Heart Problems

11.4 Respiratory System Snake gourd extract is one of the best remedies for arterial disorders like palpitation and other conditions like pain and stress on the heart. The Snake gourd functions as an expectorant, extract has been known to help improve loosening pus and phlegm in the sinuses and circulation, which in turn ensures that you suffer respiratory tracts so that they can be eliminated. less from heart problems. To get the best results, These further benefits the immune system, as have at least two cups of snake gourd extract toxins and other foreign agents often get caught every day [24]. in phlegm and mucus to cause more serious conditions [24]. 11.10 Jaundice

11.5 Hair Health Snake gourd leaves have been found to be effective in combating diseases like jaundice. For people suffering from alopecia, snake gourd You can ingest 30-60 gram doses of the leaves, is said to stimulate the growth of new hair and crushed along with corianders seeds thrice every protect weakening follicles from hair loss. This day to avail the benefits of snake gourd [24]. can be attributed to it is rich mineral and vitamin content, particularly it is high level of carotenes, 11.11 Purgative which specifically care for the skin and hair. It is also claimed that snake gourd can reduce the Snake gourd juice is a strong purgative which frequency and intensity of dandruff [24]. helps flush toxins from the body. The vegetable can also be dried, but this method isn’t usually as 11.6 Immune System good as juicing the snake gourd. It is a good digestive, which aids in the digestive process. Snake gourd has antibiotic properties and when The leaves act as an emetic, ridding the body of combined with the levels of antioxidant carotenes toxins and also help cleanse the bowels. You can and vitamin C found in the vegetable, this helpful ingest 1-2 teaspoons of snake gourd juice every gourd can significantly boost overall health. The morning to get the benefits of this vegetable. specifics of what conditions the antibiotic effects Snake gourd seeds are also used as a are most useful for is still a subject of research moistening agent for treating severe cases of dry [24]. constipation [24].

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Fig. 1. The chemical structures of the bioactive chemical constituents of snake gourd

11.12 Cures Dandruff only can topical application help rid you of dandruff, the vegetable can also help One of the most popular uses of snake gourd is it reduce symptoms of the condition. Simply rub is effectiveness in dealing with dandruff. Not a healthy amount of this juice into your scalp

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and let it remain for half an hour, before you bacteria. These extracts can be used as an wash it off. Snake gourd juice usually stimulates external antiseptic in prevention and treatment of the body to boost fluid production and bacterial infections. The incorporation of these moisturizes the scalp. You can also consider extracts into the drug formulations is also using this extract topically, as the treatment will recommended [25]. work on ingestion or topical application as well [24]. 12.2 Anti-dandruff Activity

11.13 Low in Calories The snake gourd possess the considerable anti- dandruff activity [26].

Snake gourd is a low-calorie food. It provides 12.3 Anti-diabetic Activity most of the needed nutrients without adding any fat to the body. In fact, it is quite low in calories, Using hot water extract of aerial parts of so you can rest assured that you wouldn’t be Trichosanthes cucurmerina has noted to improve putting on extra weight by gorging on this glucose tolerance and tissue glycogen in non vegetable [24]. insulin dependent diabetes mellitus induced rats. Study showed the drug possess antidiabetic 11.14 Alopecia activity with improvement in oral glucose tolerance and glucose uptake in peripheral The extract from the snake gourd leaves is quite tissues [27,28,29]. effective in dealing with the treatment of hair and scalp disorders like alopecia, which usually leads 12.4 Anti-fertility Activity to partial and sometimes even complete hair loss. For this specific treatment, you need to The antiovulatory activity of ethanol extract of apply the juice topically to the affected area [24]. whole plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina in female albino rats [30]. 11.15 Rich in Minerals 12.5 Anti-inflammatory Snake gourd is one of the healthiest vegetables as it is rich in essential minerals like magnesium, The hot aqueous extract of root tubers of calcium and phosphorous. These minerals Trichosanthes cucumerina have investigated improve bodily functions and promote stronger against carrageenin induced mouse's hind paw bones and teeth [24]. oedema and it exhibited significant anti- inflammatory activity [31]. 11.16 Cures Constipation 12.6 Antioxidant Property Snake gourd is rich in dietary fiber, which makes it one of the best cures for softening stools and The increased concentration of plant extract will reducing the effects of bloating and constipation. increase the antioxidant property. Antioxidant fights against free radicals and pilot in from Snake gourd has some of the most important various diseases. They exert their action either health benefits include it is ability to improve the by scavenging the reactive oxygen species or strength of the immune system, reduce protecting the oxidant defence mechanism [32]. fevers, detoxify the body, improve the The antioxidant properties of snake tomato which digestive processes of the body, increase favourably compares with the other lycopersicon hydration in the body, treat diabetes, boost the tomatoes (except CER), combined with it is strength and quality of the hair, and aid in weight stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, but loss [24]. milder inhibition of α-amylase activities suggests

that snake tomato could be an alternative or 12. SCIENTIFIC USES complement to the use of lycopersicon tomatoes [33]. 12.1 Antibacterial Activity 12.7 Cytotoxic Activity The Trichosanthes cucumerina leaf ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol extracts showed The root extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. significant activity against the different strains of and the fruit juice tested cytotoxicity against four

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human breast cancer cell lines and lung cancer and zinc. Besides non-sweet Curcubitaceae that cell lines and one colon cancer cell line. The root have anti-diabetic properties are snake gourd extract inhibited more strongly than the fruit juice (Trichosantes cucumerina ), ivy gourd ( Coccinia [34]. grandis ) and ridge gourd ( acutangula ). Snake gourd is also considered to be useful in 12.8 Free Radical Mediated Diseases treating Type 2 diabetes. Both starchy and non- starchy vegetables are important for our diet. Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. use of as Legumes are a good carbohydrate source due to diuretic agent and produced a potent their protein, dietary fiber and resistant starch anthelmintic activity against the Pheretima content. Vegetable fruits rich in fiber and Posthuma. It is effective against free radical antioxidants are also excellent vegetables for mediated diseases [35]. diabetics if sugar levels are low. Some cucurbits like bitter gourd, ivy gourd, snake gourd, and 12.9 Gastroprotective Activity ridge gourd are recommended and considered useful for Type 2 diabetes [40]. The hot aqueous extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina exerts a significant protection 13. CONCLUSION against ethanol or indomethacin induced gastric damage. Increasing the protective mucus layer, Trichosanthus cucumerina is commonly called as as well as decreasing the acidity of the gastric snake gourd, viper gourd, snake tomato or long juice and antihistamine activity are probable tomato. The name is varied from region to mechanisms by which the hot water extract region. The fruit is usually consumed as a mediates it is gastroprotective actions [36]. vegetable due to it is good nutritional value. All the part of the snake gourd is used for curing 12.10 Hair Growth some diseases viz ., abortifacient, vermifuge, stomachic, refrigerant, purgative, malaria, laxative, hydragogue, hemagglutinant, emetic, Aqueous leaf extract on Trichosanthus cathartic, bronchitis and anthelmintic. cucumerina L. on hair growth promotion in Wistar albino rats [37]. CONSENT

12.11 Hypoglycaemic Activity It is not applicable.

The crude ethanolic extract of Tricosanthes ETHICAL APPROVAL cucumerina showed significant blood glucose lowering activity in alloxan diabetic albino rats It is not applicable. [38]. COMPETING INTERESTS 12.12 Hepatoprotective Activity Author has declared that no competing interests The methanolic extract of the whole plant of exist. Tricosanthes cucumerina showed good hepatoprotective activity against carbon REFERENCES tetrachloride induced heapatotoxicity.

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