# Indian Medicinal Plants/Natural Order Curcurbitaceæ

N. 0. CUCURBITACEÆ.
524. Trichosanthes palmata, Roxb., h.f.b.l, ii. 606 ; Roxb. 695.
Sans. : — Mahakala.
Vern. : — Lâl-indrâyan (H.) ; Mâkâl (B.) ; Kaundal (Bomb.) ; Koratti, Shavari-pazham (Tam.) ; Avvagûda-pandu (Tel.) ; Avagude-hannu (Kan.).
Habitat : — Throughout the Eastern Tropics, from the Himalaya to Ceylon and Singapore.
Perennial herbs ; stems long, woody below, wide climbing, often 30ft., angular or irregularly rounded, slightly scabrous, sometimes twisting spirally to a marked degree. Dioecious. ​ Stems often as thick as a man's arm, marked with parallel rows of irregular, small warts on either side of each fissure, noduled and pointed, each joint 1½-2 or 3in. distant; giving off leaves on branches at joints only. Outer bark light-grey or brown, warts corky, peeling off easily in regular bits, often presenting the appearance of crocodile stem. Mesophloëm deep green. Tendrils 3, or 2-fid, minutely spiral. Leaves 4-8in. long, 2-6in. broad, 3-5 or even 7-lobed, palmate, membranous, bright green ; lobes acute, more or less dentate-serrate, glabrous, often scabrous with 1 or 2 small glandular discs above and on the nerves beneath ; base cordate ; nerves 3-5, petiole l-2in. long, winding or twisted, channelled, with several glands at apex, scabrous. Stipules single, small, axillary. Flowers white ; delicate, in the female, stout white in the male. Male flowers : — Racemes, drooping 6-9 in., axillary longer than the leaves, solitary, few-flowered. Peduncles sometimes paired, stout, 5-6in. long. Flowers over 2in. nearly sessile, distant, each in the axil of a very large broadly wedge-shaped, glabrous or pubescent, lacerate persistent bract lin. or more long, often set with broad flat glands. Calyx-segments ovate, tomentose, deeply toothed or serrated, leafy, 1-1½in., bractlike petiole, rather longer than the Calyx-segments, lin., wedge shaped, with many and long filiform laciniæ. Corolla 4in. diam., hypercrateriform, having the appearance of a parasol, with its fimbriae hanging down in beautiful tapers. Petals marked yellow at base, cuneate. Filaments triadelphous. Anthers syngenseious, very anfractuous. Female flowers solitary, smaller and more delicately fimbriated than the male, axillary ; peduncle not so stout as in the male. Calyx- teeth of the female flower less marked. Calyx-tube short. Petals, according to some, nearly destitute of fimbria. Corolla altogether much smaller than that of the male. Fruit 2-4in. diam., globose, smooth, of the size of an ordinary orange, with a blunt nipple, brilliant scarlet, crimson ; pericarp thick ; pulp greenish, seeds numerous, densely packed, each seed about ⅓-½in. long, oblong, compressed, smooth, brownish-grey, obtuse- margined, containing a sweet oily kernel.
Parts used : — The fruit and root. ​ Uses : — The fruit pounded and well mixed with warm cocoanut oil, forms a valuable application to sores under the ears and nostrils (Ainslie.)
The fruit is reckoned poisonous and, I am told, it is mixed with rice and employed to destroy crows (Roxburgh).
The root is used as a cattle medicine in inflammation of the lungs (Wight).
In Bombay, the fruit is smoked as a remedy for Asthma. The root, with an equal portion of Colocynth root, is rubbed into a paste and applied to carbuncles ; combined with equal portions of the three myrobalans and turmeric, it affords an infusion which is flavored with honey and given in gonorrhœa (Dymock).
The juice of the fruit or the root-barks, boiled with gingelly oil, is used with good effect as a bath oil, for the relief of long- standing or recurrent attacks of headache (Surgeon-Major Thompson in Watt's Dictionary).
525. T. cordata, Roxb, h.f.b.i., ii. 608 : Roxb, 695.
Vern. : — Bhoœ-koomra ; Bhûmi-kumara ; Bha-khûmba ; Patol (B.).
Habitat : — From the base of the Eastern Himalaya in Sikkim and Assam to Pegu. Frequent in the Khasia Terai and Cachar.
An extensive climber, with large tuberous roots and stout branching stems ; tendrills usually very stout, 3-fid. Leaves 6-8 in., entire or obscurely angular, broadly ovate-cordate, acute or shortly acuminate, dentate-serrate, dark-green above, and with short scattered hairs on both surfaces ; petiole 2-4in., stout. Male racemes few-flowered ; bracts large, elongate, sheathing at the base, obovate, entire, pubescent. Calyx-tube 1½in., lobes acuminate, denticulate. Fruit as in T. palmata. (Duthie).
Parts used : — The root and flowers.
Use :— The large tuberous roots are used as a valuable tonic and as a substitute for Calumba (Roxburug). In Patna, the ​ dried flowers are believed to be stimulant, in doses of 2 to 5 grains (Irvine). In Dacca, the root, dried and reduced to powder, is given in doses of 10 grains in enlargements of the spleen, liver and abdominal viscera. The fresh root, mixed with oil, forms a common application for leprous ulcers (Taylor's Topography of Dacca).
526. T. dioica, Roxb. h.f.b.i., ii. 609 ; Roxb. 694.
Sans. :— Patola.
Vern. : — Parvar, palval (H.) ; Patol (B.) ; Kombupudalai (Tam.) ; Kommu-potla (Tel.) ; Patolam (Mal).
Habitat : — Common throughout the plain of North India, from the Punjab to Assam and East Bengal.
An annual ; stems twining extensively, more or less woolly and scabrous. Diœcious. Leaves 3 by 2in., cordate, oblong acute, harsh sinuate-dentate, not lobed. Petiole scabrous, woolly, ¾in. ; tendrils 2-fid. Male peduncles paired, the second-flowering, often 2in. ; male flowers not racemed, wolly without ; anthers free. Calyx-tube 1¾in., narrow. Fruit 2-3½in., oblong or nearly spherical, acute, orange-red. Seeds ⅜-½in., half ellipsoid, compressed, corrugate on the margin. Roxburgh says stamens three, distinct, which has been repeatedly verified in the living plant (C. B. Clarke).
Use : — In Hindoo medicine, the leaves are described as a good, light and agreeable bitter tonic. The fresh juice of the unripe fruit is often used as a cooling and laxative adjunct to some alterative medicines. In bilious fever, a decoction of patola leaves and coriander in equal parts, is given as a febrifuge and laxative (Dutt).
An alcoholic extract of the unripe fruit is said to be a powerful and safe cathartic. According to Dr. K. L. Dey, " the bulbous part of the root is a hydragogue cathartic. The root of this plant acts like elaterium, for which it can be substituted." The old Hindoo physicians placed much confidence in it in the treatment of leprosy. Dr. Bowser, from personal trials, describes it as a febrifuge and tonic, (Ph. Ind.). ​582 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS.
527. T. nervifolla, Linn, h.f.b.i., ii. 609.
Vern. : — Parvar ; Palval (H).
Habitat : — Dekkan Peninsula. Western India, Quilon, and Coorg, Tropical region, Ceylon.
A large perennial, herbaceous climber. Stems somewhat woody below, flexible, thickened at nodes, much-branched. Branches slender, striate, glabrous, tendrils bifid. Leaves 2½-3½in., ovate-lanceolate, cordate or rarely lobed at base, very acute, mucronate, distantly denticulate, glabrous, dark-green, paler beneath, with prominent reticulate venation. Petiole ½-1in. Flowers white ; male flowers on short pedicels, 4-1 2in. pedunculate corymbose racemes ; bract small, caducous. Calyx-tube ¾-1¼in., very narrow, influted above ; segments minute, setaceous. Petals oblong, acuminate, with fimbriae much branched and very long at the end of petals, but shorter on the sides, doubled inwards in the bud. Female flowers shortly stalked, solitary. Calyx-tube nearly 2in., very much produced above ovary ; segments longer than in male flower. Fruit 1½in., ovoid, shortly beaked, smooth, scarlet, pericarp thin; seeds few, with very long stalks, ovoid, compressed, thickened at margins, each enclosed in an envelope of scarlet pulp (Trimen).
Use : — Medicinal properties similar to T. dioica, Roxb.
528. T. cucumerina, Linn, h.f.b.i., ii. 609 ; Roxb. 694.
Habtitat : — Throughout India.
Sans. : — Patol.
Vern. : — Jangli-chichonda (H.) ; Ban-chichinga, ban-patol (B.); Jangli-padavala, Kadupadavala, pudoli, Ran-parval (Bomb.); Plpoodel, Poodel, Kat-tup-pepudal, kadu-parval (Tam,) ; Adavi-potla, Chaynd-potla (Tel.) ; Kaippam-patolam, Podavalam, Pactavalam (Mal.).
Stem twining, more or less pubescent. Leaves cordate, subreniform, 2-4 in. diam., pubescent or puberulous on both surfaces, usually 5 lobed about half way down, lobes obtuse or if acute not acuminate; petiole ¾in. ; tendiils 2-fid. Male peduncles in pairs, the earlier 1-flowered, the later raccemed ; ​ occasionally in place of the earlier is found a female. Calyx- tube lin. Fruit l-3in. ovoid conical. Seeds ⅜-½in., corrugate, half-ellipsoid, compressed, in red pulp. (C. B. Clarke).
Uses : — Mahomedan writers describe the plant as cardiacal, tonic, alterative and antifebrile, and say that it is an useful medicine for boils and intestinal worms. The author of the Makhzan remarks that the Hindoos in obstinate cases of fever, infuse 180 grains of the plant with an equal quantity of the coriander, for a night, and in the morning add honey to it and strain the liquor. This quantity makes 2 doses, one of which is taken in the morning and one at night. In Bombay, the plant has a reputation as a febrifuge ; it is given in decoction with ginger, chiretta and honey. In the Concan, the leaf juice is rubbed over the liver or even the whole body in remittent fevers (Dymock).
The seeds are reputed good in disorder of the stomach on the Malabar Coast. The unripe fruit is very bitter ; the tender shoots and dried capsules are bitter and aperient ; they are given in infusion. In decoction with sugar, they are given to assist digestion. The seeds are antifebrile and anthelmintic. The juice of the leaves expressed is emetic and that of the root, drunk in the quantity of 2oz. for a dose, is very purgative. The stalk in decoction is expectorant (Drury).
529. T.anguina, Linn., h.f.b.i., ii. 610; Roxb. 69.
Sans. : — Chichinda.
Vern. : — Cháchendá (H.) ; Chichingá (B.) ; Parula, Padavala (Bomb.) ; Linga potla, Potla, Potla káya (Tel.); Padavala káyí (Kan.); Gâlartori ; Pandol ; Chichinda (Pb.).
Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India.
An annual climber, much cultivated for its fruit, which is used as a wholesome vegetable. Leaves cordate-sub-reniform, more or less 5-(3-7-)lobed, 5-angular lobes, not acuminate, pubescent or puberulous on both surfaces. Tendrils 3-fid. Male flowers in a large peduncled raceme, with a small entire bract at the base of pedicel ; female solitary, on a short peduncle, from the same axils with the male. Fruit elongate cylindric, ​ sometimes contorted, 1-3 at times, 4ft. long by 1-1½in. broad. Seeds corrugate, numerous.
" Except in the fruit this agrees altogether with T. cucumerina, of which it is probably a cultivated form " (C.B.Clarke).
Use : — The seeds are considered a cooling medicine (T. N. Mukerji).
530. Lagenaria vulgaris, Seringe, h.f.b.l, ii. 613.
Syn. : — Cucurbita lagenaria, Linn, Roxb. 700.
Sans. : — Alabu ; Katutumbi (bitter variety).
Vera. ; — Kaddu, Lauki (H) ; Harrea Kaddu (Dec). Láu (B.) ; Shora-kai (Tel.) ; Bella-sehora (Mal.); Sora-kaya ; Anapa-kai (Tel.) ; Hunea-kuddoo (Dec).
The bitter variety known as : — Karwi-tumbi (H.) ; Tikta- láu (B.) ; Kadwa-bhopla (Bomb.) ; Kadu-bhopali ; Dudha- bhopala (Mar.).
Habitat: — Cultivated throughout India.
A large, pubescent, climbing annual. Tendrils 2-fid. — Leaves often Gin. diam., softly pubescent on both surfaces, more or less 5-angular or 5-lobed, ovate or orbicular, cordtate, dentate. Petioles long, with 2 glands at its apex. Flowers large, white, solitary, monoecious or diocious. Male peduncle often 6in. Female peduncle lin. Calyx-tube funnel-shaped, sub campanulate, teeth 5, narrow, ½in., pubescent. Petals l-2in., 5, ovate; stamens 3, anthers connate, included, one 1-eelled, two 2-celled, cells conduplicate, rudiment of ovary 0. Female Calyx and Corolla as in the male. Ovary oblong, style short, with 3 bifid stigmatic lobes. Ovules many, horizontal. Fruit often l½ft. or more, usually bottle or dumb-bell shaped, thick membranous, almost woody when old, indehiscent. Seeds ¾by ⅜ and ⅛in., with an impressed groove parallel to and near the margin.
Uses : — The seeds of this plant yield an oil which is used as an application for headache. The flesh of the fruit is considered diuretic, refrigerant and antibilious. It is also sometimes made into a poultice ; when fresh, it is bitter and purgative, ​ and is applied over the shaved head in delirium (Watt). In the Punjab, the pulp is applied to the soles, in " burning of the feet."
The pulp of the bitter variety is powerfully emetic and purgative. In Bombay it is used in native practice as a purgative ; it is also applied externally as a poultice. (Dymock.) A decoction of the leaves mixed with sugar is given in jaundice (Drury).
531. Luffa œgyptica, Mill., h.f.b.i., ii. 614.
Syn. : — L. pentandra, Roxb. 698.
Vern, : — Ghiâ-turai, purul (H.) ; Dhundhul (B.) ; Nunibeerd (Tel.); Bliol, bhatkerela, bhat-kakrel (Ass.); Palo (Nepal.) ; Turi, lia-sada (Sind.) ; Dilpasand, teldoaka (C. P.); Ghosáli, parosâ, parul, turi-gonsâli (Bomb.) ; Turia (Guz.).
Habitat: — Very common throughout India ; often cultivated.
Extensively climbing, hairy, annual herbs ; tendrils 2-3-fid. Largely cultivated for its fruit, abundant in the rainy season in the Concan. Leaves 4in. diam., reniform-orbicular, 5-angled or somewhat 5-lobed, dentate, usually scabrous, punctate on both surfaces, pubescent on the nerves beneath. Petioles 2in. Male peduncles long, 6in. ; male flowers often approximate near the summit ; pedicels short, each carrying a small ovate-viscid entire bract, sometimes obsolete. Petals 5, ¾-1in., yellow, often with elevated, hairy, green veins. Stamens 5. Female flower solitary, peduncle l-3in. Fruit elongate, 5-12in., often much longer, clavate, smooth, 10-ribbed, or somewhat 10-angular. Seeds ⅜ by nearly ¼in., usually black, very narrowly winged, smooth or very sparing, tubercled.
Use : — The seeds are said to be emetic and cathartic, like those of L. acutangula. They yield an oil.
The oil is dark reddish-brown in colour, possesses a slight odour and is semi-drying.
Lewkowitsch determined the following constants ; Specific gravity at 15°, 0.9254 ; saponification value, 187.8 ; iodine value, 108.51 ; Reichert-Meissl value, 1.43; butyro-refractomer " degrees," 62° at 40° ; insoluble fatty acids and unsaponificable, 94.8. Two samples examined in the Indian Museum were dark greenish in colour, had acid values of 33 and 36.4, and the insoluble fatty acids melted at 34° and 35°. (Agricultural Ledger, 1911-12 No. 5 p. 147). ​
532. L. acutangula, Roxb. h.f.b.i., ii. 615 ; Roxb. 698.
Sans. : — Jhingâka=
Vern. : — Turai (H.) ; Jhingé (B.) ; Peekunkai (Tam.) ; Pee-chenggah (Mal.); Beerkai (Tel.) ; Janhi (Uriya) ; Paror jhinga (Santal.); Rám-toroi (Nepal); Turi (Sind.) ; Dorka (C. P.); Shirolâ (Mar.) ; Turin, Guisoda (Guz.).
Habitat : — North- West India; Sikkim ; Assam and Plains of East Bengal.
Extensively climbing, hairy annuals ; tendrils 2-3-fid. Leaves 4in. diam., reniform-orbicular, 5-angied or somewhat 5-lobed, dentate, usually scabrous, punctate on both surfaces, pubescent in nerves beneath ; petiole 2in. Male peduncles 6in., flowers often approximate near the summit; pedicels short, each carrying a small, entire, viscid bract, sometimes obsolete. Petals 5, obovate, united ; stamens 3. Female flowers solitary ; peduncle l-3in. Fruit 5-10 inches, often 2-ft. long, 10-angled, not covered with spines or papilæ. Seeds numerous, close-packed, scarcely ¼in. The flowers open in the afternoon.
Use : — The seeds possess purgative and emetic properties and also yield an oil.
The pounded leaves are applied locally to splenitis, hæmorrhoids and leprosy (Emerson). The juice of the fresh leaves is dropped into the eyes of children in granular conjunctivitis, also to prevent the lids adhering at night from excessive meibomian secretion (P. Kinsley in Watt's Dictionary).
533. L. acutangula, Var : — Amara, h.f.b.i., ii. 615; Roxb 699.
Sans. : — Koshátaki.
Vern. : — Rarvi-turai (H.) ; Ghoshalata, Kerula, Tetodhoon- dhool (B.); Ran-turai; Kadu-sirolâ, Kadu-dokra (Bomb.); Sendu- beer-kai (Tel.).
Habitat :— Nearly all India, especially the Western side.
Exceedingly near L. acutangula, but distinguished by the leaves a little smaller and sometimes whitish. The typical L. amara has the leaves softly pubescent at least while young, for they become in age scabrous (C. B. Clarke). ​ Uses : — Every part of this plant is remarkably bitter, the fruit is violently cathartic and emetic. The juice of the roasted young fruit is applied to the temples by the natives to cure headache. The ripe seeds either in infusion or substance, are used by them to vomit and to purge (Roxburgh), In Bombay, the leaves are used as an external application to sores in cattle. In dog-bite, the pulp of the fruit is given with water ; it causes vomiting and purging. The juice is applied to different kinds of bites, and the dried fruit is used as a snuff in jaundice. The root with equal parts of Jasund root (Hibiscus rosa-linensis) and Hemidesmus, is given with milk, cumin and sugar in gonorrhœa (Dymock).
In the Indian Pharmacopœia, it is described as a bitter tonic and diuretic, and is recommended in splenic enlargements.
The kernel of the seeds forms the only vegetable emetic in India which is equal to Ipecacuanha, in the same quantity. In smaller doses, it is expectorant and also demulcent, owing to its containing albumen and oil. It has a great control over dysentery. I have used this drug and also Ipecacuanha, separately, in several cases, in the same manner and doses, and found it to be at least quite equal to the latter. The dose of the kernel as an emetic is from 20 to 30 grains, as a nauseant, from 11 to 15 grains, and as demulcent and expectorant, from 5 to 10 grains. When the kernel is rubbed and mixed with water, it forms a greenish white emulsion, which is the only form in which I have yet used it. (Moodeen Sheriff).
The seeds are small (17 weigh one gram,), black, irregularly pitted and two-lobed at the base. On extraction with ether the seeds yielded 20 per cent, of a light green oil. The expressed oil is yellowish-white in colour and solidifies at the ordinary tempearature in England (50° Fan., 15-50° C).
Physical and chemical characteristics.... Fat : Specific gravity at 100°, 0.9363 ; acid value, 93.7.; saponification value, 229.2 ; Reichert-Meissl value, 13.1 ; titration number of insoluble volatile acids, 1/10 KOH 0.83 ; iodine value, 40.12; unsaponifiable, 1.09; butyro-refractometer at 25°, 73°. Fatty acids (insoluble) : per cent. 82.3; melting point, 44.1; iodine value, 41.9 ; neutralisation value, 215 ; mean molecular weight, 260.9. (A. K. Menon, 1910.)
534. L. echinata, Roxb. h.f.b.i.,ii. 615; Roxb. 699.
Vern. : — Kukar-wel (Bomb.); Jung-thoree (Sind.) ; the seeds: Wa-upla-bij (Guz.) ; Deodâgri (Mar.).
Habitat : — Guzerat ; Sind ; Bengal ; Bombay. ​ An annual, climbing not extensively, sparingly scabrous pilose, tendrils 2-fid. Leaves l-2in. diam., cordate reniform, orbicular, entire or obscurely 5-angular or 5-lobed, or cut almost to the base into 5 narrow sinuate-pinnatifid segments, dentate ; petiole l-2in. Male peduncles normally paired, one 1-flowered, the other racemed very long, 6-in. or more, pedicel lin. Flowers small, white, without bracts. Filaments 3, 2 with 2-celled anthers. Peduncle of the solitary female very short. Fruit 1¼ by ⅝in., ellipsoid densely covered with bristles ; ribs not visible ; spines ¼in., ciliate ; stopple without spines, Calyx- teeth persistent. Seeds 1/5in., many slightly scabrous.
Uses : — In the Concan, a few grains of the bitter fibrous contents of the fruit are given in infusion for snake-bite and in cholera after each stool ; in putrid fevers, the infusion is applied to the whole body, and in jaundice it is applied to the head and also given internally ; the infusion has also a reputation as a remedy for colic (Dymock).
The fruit is considered in North India as a powerful remedy for dropsy (O'Shaughnessy). The fruit has purgative properties (S. Arjun).
535. Benicassa cerifera, Savi., h.f.b.i., ii. 616.
Syn. :— Cucurbita Pepo, Roxb, 700
Eng : — The white melon.
Sans. : — Kûshmânda, Kûsh-paândaha.
Vern:— Pethâ, gol-kaddû (Pb.) ; Kumrâ, châlkumrâ (B.) ; Gôl-kaddû, kudîmah, kônhdâ, kumrhâ, pêthâ, phûthîâ (H.) ; Kumhrâ, bhunja (Kumaon) ; Kohalâ, Dângar, Bhopala (Mar.) ; Kûshmând, kohula (Cutch) ; Bhûru-kolu, koholu (Guz.) ; Kohala, koholen, gôlkadû, Pandri chicki (Bom.) ; Gol-kuddu (Sind.) ; Kaliyâna-pûshinik-kây (Tam.) ; Burda-gûmûdû, bûdide gummadi, pendli-gummadi-kâya (Tel.) ; Kumpalannâ ; Kumpalam (Mal.) ; Bûde-kumbala-kâyi (Kan).
Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India.
A large annual climber, softly hairy, tendrils 2-fid. Leaves 4-6in. diam., cordate, reniform orbicular, more or less 5-lobed. ​ Petiole without glands, 3-4in. Flowers large, yellow, monoecious, all solitary; without bracts. Male flowers: — Peduncle 3-4in. Calyx-tube campanulate, lobes 5, when young often narrow ; leaflike, scarcely serrate. Corolla of 5 petals nearly separate ; stamens 3, inserted near the mouth of the tube, anthers exsert, free, one 1-celled, two 2-celled, cells sigmoid. Female flowers : — peduncle l-2in., Calyx and Corolla as in the male ; ovary oblong, densely hairy ; style thick, with 3 flexuous stigmas ; ovules numerous, horizontal, placentas 3. Fruit green, 1-l½ft., often 2ft. by ½ft., cylindric, fleshy, oblong, pubescent, indehiscent, without ribs, ultimately covered with a white waxy bloom. Seeds many, oblong, compressed, margined, ½ by ⅛in.
Uses : — The fruit possesses alterative and styptic properties, and is popularly known as a valuable antimercurial. It is also said to have cooling properties. It is considered tonic, nutritive and diuretic, and a specific for hæmoptysis and other hæmorrhages from internal organs. The fresh juice from the fruit given internally, while a slice of the fruit is at the same time applied to the temples, is said to be an efficacious cure for internal hæmorrhage. According to the Sanskrit authors, it is useful in insanity, epilepsy, and other nervous diseases ; the fresh juice is given either with sugar or as an adjunct to other medicines for these diseases (U. C. Dutt).
Is used extensively as a preserve by natives.
" The seeds possess anthelmintic properties, and are useful in cases of tænia. The expressed oil of the seeds, in doses of half an ounce, repeated once or twice at an interval of two hours, and followed by an aperient, is said to be equally efficacious. May be used as a substitute for male fern" (Official Correspondence from Bombay Committee regarding the revision of Indian Pharmacopœia.)
" The fresh juice is often used as a vehicle to administer pearl shell for the cure of phthisis in the first stage" (Asst.- Surgn. Sakhâram Arjun, Bombay). " This is so universally believed to be useful in pulmonary consumption that some ​ trials should be made in order to discover whether it has any effect on Koch's bacillus tuberculosis. I have seen it produce a decided effect in arresting pulmonary tuberculosis." (Surgn. K. D. Ghose, m.d., Khulna.)
The preserve is given in piles and in dyspepsia, as an antibilious food (Surgn. Moir, Meerut). " The expressed juice of the mature fruit possesses purgative and alterative properties. It is used in cases where the system has been affected by mercury " (Brigade-Surgn. Thornton, Monghyr).
The preserve of the fruit is easily digestible and a highly nutritious food in wasting diseases, as consumption (Surgn.- Maj. R. L. Dutt, Pubna). " Much used in diabetes with successful results " (Surgn. E. W. Savinge, Rajamundry, Godaveri District). Watt's Dictionary.
The seeds yield a mild, pale oil.
536. Momordica Charantia Linn, h.f.b.l, ii. 616 ; Roxb. 696.
Sans. : — Karavella ; Sushavi.
Vern. : — Karela (H.) ; Karala (B.) ; Kârlâ (Bomb.) ; Pava- kai, Pâvakkâ-chedi (Tam.) ; Kâkarachettu (Tel) ; Pandipasel (Mal.)
[N.B. — There are two chief varieties differing in the form of the fruit, the one being longer and more oblong, and the other smaller, more ovate, muricated and tubercled. These varieties are known in Bengali as Karalâ and Uchhya.]
Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India.
A climbing annual herb, with simple tendrils. Leaves l-3in. diam., orbicular, glabrous or slightly pubescent, cut nearly to the base into 5-7 narrow sinuate or sub-pinnati-fid lobes. Male peduncles 1-flowered, orbicular entire. Flowers monceions. Calyx-lobes ovate, acute. Petals ⅜-¾in., yellow. Female peduncle 2-4in., slender, bracteate near the base ; ovary fusiform, muricate. Fruit l-3in., rostrate, ovate, narrowed at both ends, many-ribbed, covered with triangular tubercles. Seeds ½in.. ​ compressed, corrugate on the margin, somewhat sculptured (Clarke).
Uses : — The author of the Makhzan describes the fruit as tonic and stomachic, and says that it is useful in rheumatism and gout, and in diseases of the spleen and liver ; he also mentions its anthelmintic properties. In the Concan, ⅛ of the seer of the juice of the leaves is given in bilious affections, as an emetic and purgative, alone or combined with aromatics ; the juice is rubbed in burning of the soles of the feet, and with black pepper is rubbed round the orbit, as a cure for night blindness (Dymock).
It is used internally as a laxative, and as an ointment for sores. The fruit and leaves are anthelmintic ; useful in piles, leprosy, jaundice and as a vermifuge. The root is considered astringent and useful in hœmorrhoids. The juice of the fresh leaves acts as a mild purgative, and is prescribed for children. The Uchhya (M. Muricata) in infusion is said to act as a febrifuge (Watt.)
Used with cinnamon, long pepper, rice and the oil of Hydno-carpus Wightiana, as an external application in scabies and other cutaneous diseases (Watt).
The expressed juice with chalk is used in apthæ, and also an emmenagogue in dysmenorrhœa. It is applied externally to the scalp in pustular eruptions (Surgeon. -Major Thomson, in Watt's Dictionary).
Commonly prescribed as an anthelmintic, and as a purgative for children (Dr. McConaghey, in Watt's Dictionary).
537, M. Balsamina, Linn, h.f.b.l, il, 617.
Vern. — Kurelo-jangro (Sind.) ; Mokha (C.P.).
Habitat. — Panjab ; North- West India ; Sindh.
Botanically, it resembles M. dioica. Fruit l-3in. long, rostrate, orange-red.
Use. — The fruit is occasionally used in native practice (Atkinson).
The fruit is famous in Syria for curing wounds. It is cut open, infused in sweet oil, and exposed to the sun for some days, until it becomes red, and then it is preserved for use ; ​ dropped on cotton, and applied to a fresh wound, it is considered as a vulnerary, little inferior to the balsam of Mecca (Ainslie).
538. M. dioica, Roxb h.b.f.l, ii. 617 ; 'Roxb. 696.
Vern. : — Dhâr karela ; Kirara (Pb.) ; Karantoli (Bomb.) Pallopaghel-kalung (Tam.) ; Agakara (Tel.) ; Erimapasel (Mal.) ; Ghosal-phul (U. P.).
Habitat : — Throughout India : cultivated in Bengal ; common in low country, Ceylon. Lower Bengal, form of fruit large succulent. Dekkan : fruit smaller. Fruit from the Panjab, smaller and said to be bitter.
Perennial climbing herbs, with tuberous roots. Tendrils simple. Stems somewhat compressed and 2-edged, striate, glabrous and shining ; leaves variable, 2-4in., broadly ovate in outline, very cordate at base, acute, more or less deeply cut, into 3 or 5 lobes, distantly dentate or denticulate, thin, quite glabrous and shining on both sides, minutely punctate beneath ; petiole 1-1½in., pubescent, chanelled above. Flowers diœcious, solitary, peduncle about 2in., slender, glabrous, or finely pubescent ; in the male, with a large hooded bract a little below the flower and enclosing it ; in the female, with a minute bract below the middle. Calyx-segments distant, linear ; petals ½-lin., lanceolate, acuminate, slightly pubescent. Female flower : ovary densely covered with long soft papillae, stigmas bifid, with erect torus. Fruit about 2in. long, oblong-ovoid, beaked, glabrous, evenly covered with equal-pointed papillæ. Seeds ½-lin., broadly oblong, compressed, rarely smooth ; pulpy covering red. Fruit by some said to be bitter ; that of cultivated plants edible, not bitter, or slightly so, if at all, used as vegetable. Flower pale, lemon-yellow.
Use. — The plant mixed with cocoanut, pepper, red sandal, and other ingredients, applied in the form of liniment, relieves headache. (Rheede.)
The mucilaginous tasted root is used by the Hindus to stop bleeding from piles, and also in bowel complaints (Ainslie). ​ In the Concan, the juice of the root is a domestic remedy for the inflamation caused by contact with the urine of the house-lizard (Pál) (Dymock).
The powder or infusion of the dried fruits, when introduced into the nostrils, produces a powerful errhine effect and provokes a copious discharge from the schneiderian mucous membrane (Agra Exhibition).
The tuberous root of the female plant is used in Belgaum as an expectorant, and externally in ague cases as an absorbent. The root of the male creeper is used in ulcers, especially those caused by snake-bites. The unripe fruit is used as a vegetable and given as a delicacy to patients recovering from fever. (Dr. Peters, in Watt's Dictionary).
539. M. cochinchinensis, Spreng., h.f.b.i., ii. 618.
Sanskrit : — Karkataka.
Vern. :— Kakrol (H. and B.).
Habitat : —Bengal to Tenasserim ; Deccan Peninsula ; Canara.
An annual climber, with simple tendrils, dioecious. Leaves, 4-5in. diam. ; cordate, ovate, usually 3-lobed, glabrous or a little pubescent, often punctate beneath, little dentate ; petiole 2-3in., almost invariably glandular at its middle as well as apex. Bract near the top of the male peduncle. Male peduncle 2-6in., bract often pubescent, embracing the expanded flower. Petals l-2in., tinged with yellow, 3 with black spots at the base, 2 with yellow glands ; the two 2-anthered filaments not 2-fid. Female peduncles l-2in., bract small, about the middle. Fruit 4-5in., ovate, pointed, muricate, conical points ⅛in. high, bright red, very fleshy, without ribs. Seeds ⅞ by ⅝ and 1/5in. thick, many, horizontal, irregular, ovate, compressed, black, corrugated on the margins, sculptured on the faces (C. B. Clarke).
Uses : — The seeds, after the shells have been removed, are fried and eaten, either alone or with other food (Makhzan). They are considered to be good for cough and pains in the chest. Powdered, they form one of the ingredients of the hot stuff known as jhâl in Bengal, which, mixed with melted butter, is given to women immediately after parturition, and daily for a few days afterwards. Jhal is believed to act as a ​ stimulant destroying the excess of phlegmatic humours, which are supposed to be produced in the body after delivery.
A plaster made with the roots is said to promote the growth of the hair, and prevent its falling off. The plant is called in Sanskrit Karkataka, from the resemblance of the seeds to the shell of a crab. This plant is the Muricia cochin-chinensis of Loureiro, who says that the berries are used for colouring food, and that the seeds and leaves are aperient and abstergent and useful in hepatic and splenic obstructions, in unhealthy ulcerations, lumbago ; and, externally, in prucidentia uteri-et-ani, fractures, and luxation of the bones (Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II. p. 77).
540. M. Cymbalaria, Fenzl. h.f.b.i., ii. 618.
Syn. : — Luffa tuberosa, Roxb. 699.
Vern.: — Kadavanchi (Mar.).
Habitat : — Deccan Peninsula ; Mysore and Concan.
A monoecious climber, leaves l-2in. broad, reniform-orbicular, 5 angular or slightly 5 lobed, middle lobe not elongated, glabrous or slightly pubescent, often punctate on both surfaces, dentate ; petiole ½-1½in. Flowers small, males few on one raceme with inconspicuous bracts. Male raceme l-2in., with usually only 2-4 flowers; calyx-lobes laceolate ; petals ¼in., yellow ; filaments 2, one 2-fid, one 3-fid, so each with one anther-cell ; filaments inserted near the top of the calyx-tube, anthers completely exsert. Female peduncle ¾-2in., 1-fiowered, ebracteate. Fruit ¾ by scarcely ¼in. Seeds 1/6-¼in., few, shortly obovoid, smooth, shining. (C. B. Clarke).
Use : — Dr. Lyon, the Chemical Analyser to the Government of Bombay, informs me that on reference to the records of his office, he finds that the kadavanchi tubers have been three times sent to him, within the last four years, as having been used to procure abortion (Dymock).
541. Cucumis trigonus, Roxb h.f.b.i., ii. 619 ; Roxb. 700.
Vern. : — Bislômbi, Bislambhi, Jangli-indrâyan (H.) ; Kâttut-tumatti (Tam.) ; Adavi-puch-cha (Tel.). Karit (Bomb.). ​ Habitat : — Throughout India.
A climbling, annual, scabrid herb. Root perennial. Leaves 5-lobed, lobes rounded, repandly and sharply toothed ; male flowers crowded ; female solitary. Fruit oval, rounded at both ends, obsoletely 3-angled, 10-striated, glabrous, about 1½in. long and l¼in. thick. Lobes of the leaves very broadly obovate and almost touching each other at their broadest part ; veins rounded.
The fruit is collected in many places and sold in the bazars as a drug, and very probably as an adulterant for the true colocynth (Duthie).
Use: — Supposed to possess purgative properties of Colocynth (Watt).
It contains a principle identical with or closely related to colocynthin.
Var : — Pubescens.
Vern. : — Takmaki (Bomb.).
Use :— The seeds are considered cooling, and are applied to Herpes, after they have been beaten into a paste with the juice of the Durvâ (Cynodon dactylon) (Dymock).
It is considered cool and astringent ; it creates appetite and removes bilious disorders (Baden-Powell).
Var. : — C. pseudo-colocynthis, Royle.
This is a synonym for Cucumis trigonus, Roxb., as cited by C. B. Clarke, H. F. B. I., Vol II, p. 619. This is described by Royle in his Illustrations of the Himalayan plants.
Vern. : — Indrâyan ; Bislumbhi (North India) ; Karit (Bomb.) ; Hattut-tumatti (Tam.) ; Adavi-puch-cha (Tel.).
Habitat : — Met with throughout the Deccan and Sind to Baluchistan, Kashmir and Afghanistan.
Use : — Pulp of the fruit is very bitter and similar in quality to colocynth, for which it is substituted (O'Shaughnessy). Supposed to possess the purgative properties of officinal colo-cynth. Dr. Gibson, however, expresses a doubt as to the correctness of this opinion. Experiments are required to determine the point. According to the report of Dr. J. Newton, a decoction of the roots of these plants is used as a purgative ; it is ​ stated to be milder in its operation than the pulp of the fruit, and to cause less irritation (Ph. Ind., p. 96).
542. C. Melo, Linn, h.f.b.l, ii. 620 ; Roxb. 700.
Vern. : — Kharbûzâ (H.) ; Kharmuj (B.); Vellari-Verai (Tam.); Mulam-pandu (Tel.) ; Dungra (C. P.) ; Chibunda (Mar.) ; Gidhro (Sind.) ; Zaghun (Ladak) ; Sardâ or Sirdâ paliz (Pushtu) ; Re-mo (Naga.).
Habitat: — Cultivated throughout India.
Annual herb. Stems prostrate, scabrous. Leaves rounded, angled ; male flowers, with the Calyx- tube slightly ventricose at the base and dilated at the apex : stamens included, anthers shorter than the connective. Bisexual flowers with the anthers as the male ; stigmas 3-4, shortly 2-lobed. Fruit ovate or somewhat globose, 8-12-furrowed, fleshy, indehiscent or irregularly bursting. Seeds ovate, compressed, not margined, acute at hilum.
Uses :- — The seeds are supposed to be a cooling medicine. They are edible, nutritive and diuretic, and used in painful discharge and suppression of urine.
The fruit is considered cool and astringent, and is given in cases of dyspepsia. The oil from the seeds is said to be very nourishing.
Not only the seeds, but the pulp of the fruit, is a powerful diuretic, very beneficial in chronic, and also in acute, eczema. I can, from personal experience, recommend those subject to chronic eczema to eat a whole fruit daily when procurable (Surgeon-Major Shircore, in Watt's Dictionary).
The root of the melon is said by Dr. Heberger to possess emetic and purgative properties, and Dr. Torosicviez has obtained from the roots a crude emetic principle by treating the aqueous extract with alcohol. • * From experiments made with this substance in the military hospital of Lemberg, it would seem that a solution of 9 centigrams of it, is sufficient to cause vomiting. The powered root of the wild plant acts, according to Dr. Langewicz, as an emetic, in doses of 50 to 75 centigrams (Ph. J, 26th Feb., 1887, p. 687). ​ Var. (1) momordica, Roxb. 700.
Sans. : — Ervaru.
Vern. : — Phût or phûnt (ripe) ; Kachra (when unripe) ; Tuti (H.) ; Phûti (B.) ; Kakari-kai (Tam.) ; Pedda-kai, Pedda-dosrai (Tel.).
An annual herb, cultivated. Stem scabrous. Leaves roundish cordate, sometimes 5-angled or obscurely lobed, repand- toothed : Flowers short peduncled, males fascicled, female solitary. Petals slightly acute. Fruit cylindric-oblong, straight, 4-times larger than thick, bursting spontaneously, 12-14in. long.
Use : — The seeds are used as a cooling medicine (Watt).
Sans. : — Karkati.
Var, (2) utilissimus Roxb. 701.
Vern. : — Kakri, (H.) Kâkur (B.) ; Kukri (Kangra) ; Dosray, Velliri, Kakkarik (Tam.) ; Kâkâdi (Bomb.) ; Kákdi (Dec.) ; Târkâkdi (Poona).
Habitat :- Cultivated in Bengal, U. P. and the Punjab, during the hot weather and the rains.
Stems exactly as in C. sativus, but not quite so extensive. Tendrils simple. Leaves broadcordate, generally more or less five-lobed ; lobes rounded, toothletted ; above pretty smooth, below scabrous, the largest generally about 6 inches each way. Floral leaves of the female flowers sessile, and very small. Male flowers axilliary, peduncled, crowded, but opening in succession. Female flowers axillary, peduncled, solitary, both sorts yellow, about an inch or an inch and a half in diameter. Fruit fleshy, generally a very perfect oval ; when young downy and clouded with lighter and darker green ; when ripe perfectly smooth, variegated with deeper and lighter yellow ; from four to six inches long, and from three to four in diameter (Roxburgh).
Uses : — The seeds are described as cooling, edible, nutritive and diuretic, and are used in painful micturition and supprestion of urine. Two drachms of the seeds, rubbed into a pulp with water are given alone or in combination with salt and Kânjika (U. C. Dutt).
The powder of the toasted seeds is described as a powerful diuretic, and serviceable in promoting the passage of sand or gravel (Roxburgh). ​
543. C. sativus, Linn., h.f.b.i., ii. Roxb. 700.
Sans. : — Sukasa ; Trapusha.
Vern. :— Khîrâ (H.) ; Sasâ (B.) ; Muhevchri (Tam.) ; Doza-kaia (Tel.) ; Kakuri (Orissa) ; Kâhdi (Mar.); Sante kayi (Kan).
Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India.
The cucumber is a cultivated, climbing, annual, hispid. Tendrils simple. Sterns scabrous. Leaves 3-5in. diam., ovate, 5-angular, slightly lobed, lobes acute, hispidulous on both surfaces and also often with soft hairs ; petiole 2-3in., peduncle sometimes 2in. Petals ⅝in. Female flowers yellow monoecious, males clustered in axils. Females solitary, all shortly pedicelled.
Male : — Calyx-tube top-shaped or campanulate, lobes 5. Stamens 3. Anthers free, one 1-celled, two 2-celled, cells conduplicate or much flexuose. Female Calyx and Corolla as in male. Ovary ovoid ; young ovary muricate, with rigid prickles ; style short, with three obtuse stigmas. Fruit commonly cylindric, indehiscent, 12in. by l½in., glabrous, sometimes tuberculated. Commonly elongate. Seeds very many, oblong, compressed, mostly smooth.
Uses. — The seeds possess cooling properties. They are also used as diuretics.
The leaves, boiled and mixed with cumin seeds, roasted and powdered, are administered in throat affections (Atkinson),
Cucumber seeds are occasionally pressed for oil in the United Provinces and the Punjab. The constants of two samples were tested in the Indian Museum and found to be : Specific gravity at 15°, 0.923 and 0.924 ; acid value, 10.68 and 11.49 ; saponification value, 195.2 and 196.9 ; iodine value, 117.6 and 118.5; Reichert-Meissl value, 0.52; fatty acids and unsaponifiable, 94.4 per cent.; melting point, 35.5° , The oil were yellow coloured and dried slowly on exposure. (Agricultural Ledger 1911-12 No. 5).
544. Citrullus colocynthis, Schrad. h.f.b.i., ii. 620.
Syn. — Cucumis Colocynthis, Linn. Roxb., 700.
Sans. — Indra-vâruni.
Arab.— Hanzal ; Aulqum.
Pers. — Hindawánahe-talkh.
ern.--Indrâyan (H.) ; Makal (B.) ; Pey-ko-mati, Tumatti (Tam.) ; Eti-puch-cha, Putsa-kaya (Tel.) ; Kadû Indrâyan (Mar.) ​ Habitat — Cultivated throughout India, and also very often apparently wild.
A scabrid climber. In the fields of Afghanistan, it trails along the ground extensively. Leaves 2½ by scarcely 2in. in the typical wild very scabrous form, larger in cultivated forms approaching C. vulgaris, ovate, middle segment compound pinnatifid. Petiole lin. Petals ¼in., obovate, light-yellow. Ovary villous. Eruit smooth, variegated, green and white globose, 2½-3in. diam.
Parts used. — The fruit and root.
Use. — Sanskrit writers describe the fruit as bitter, acrid, cathartic and useful in biliousness, constipation, fever and worms. They also mention the root as a useful cathartic in jaundice, ascites, enlargement of the abdominal viscera, urinary diseases, rheumatism, etc.
Mahomedan writers consider it to be a very drastic purgative, removing phlegm from all parts of the system, and direct the fruit, leaves and root to be used. The drug is prescribed when the bowels are obstinately costive from disease or lesion of the nervous centres, also in dropsy, jaundice, colic, worms, elephantiasis, &c. Its irritant action upon the uterus is noticed, and fumigation with it is said to be of use for bringing on the menstrual flow. The author of the Makhzan tells us that the seeds are purgative, and mentions their use for preserving the hair from turning grey (Dymock).
In the Concan, the fruit and root, with or without nux-vomica, is rubbed into a paste with water and applied to boils and pimples. In rheumatism, equal parts of the root and long pepper are given in pill. A paste of the root is applied to the enlarged abdomen of children (Dymock).
It is officinal in both Indian and British Pharmacopœias.
From experiments with coloeynthin obtained from Citrullus colocynthis, Messrs. Naylor and Chappel find that this substance is capable of hydrolysis, and that it yields, amongst other products, colocynthein, elaterin, and dextrose. They were also able to obtain coloeynthin in a crystalline form.
[Pharm. J. 1907 Vol. 79 pp. 117-118.]
The seeds of the wild colocynth are used for food in Sind and Baluchistan : the kernels arc roasted or boiled and eaten with dates. The seeds ​ yield to solvents about 17 per cent, of yellowish-red oil having an indine value of 129.3, and 92.2 per cent, of fatty acids melting at 29°. Grimaldi and Prussia, in 1909, found the oil of colocynth seeds to have the specific gravity of 0.9289, solidifying point 14°, and iodine value 120.27. Power and Moore (1910) separated from the oil a phytosterol, melting between 158° and 160° C. The oil has a bitter taste if made from tbe undecorticated seeds (Hooper).
545. C. vulgaris, Schrad., h.f.b.i., ii., 621,
Syn. — Cucurbita citrullus, Linn. Roxb. 700.
Vern.--Tarbûz (H.) ; Tarmuj (B.); Tarbuj, Kâlingad or Kalingan (Bomb.) ; Pitcha-pullam (Tam.).
Habitat. — Cultivated throughout India.
A climbing or trailing, hispid annual. Stems branching, angular ; tendrils 2-fid, firm ; pubescent. Petioles about 2in., nearly round, villous ; blade of leaf 3-5in. long by 2-3in. broad, triangular-ovate, cordate, deeply trifid ; segments pinnatifid, terminal one larger ; lobes undulate or lobulate, pale-green above, ashy beneath. Flowers monæcious, axillary, solitary, rather large. Male flowers : — peduncle falling short of the petiole ; Calyx campanulate, lobes narrowly lanceolate, equalling the tube ; Corolla about an inch in diam., greenish outside, and villous ; segments ovate, oblong, obtuse, 5-nerved. Stamens 3, anthers free. Female flowers : — Calyx-tube, fused with the ovary, contracted above, lobes and Corolla as in the male ; ovary ovoid ; densely villous ; style short, stigmas 3. Fruit large, ovoid, pale or dark-green or mottled, sometimes covered with a glaucous waxy bloom ; flesh white, yellowish or red, at times deeply pink. Seeds compressed, and usually margined, varying much in shape and colour. Some of the varieties grown in Alibag in the Kolaba District, have a glaneous green globose fruit. (K. R.K.)
The wild plant may be either bitter or sweet without any observable structural differences. The bitter form comes very close to C. colocynthis, when that species is cultivated (Watt).
Uses. — The seeds are used as a cooling medicine. In Bombay, they are considered cooling, diuretic and strengthening.
The juice is used with cumin and sugar as a cooling drink (Dymock). The Vytians prescribe the juice of the fruit to quench thirst, and also an antiseptic in typhus fever (Ainslie). ​ The bitter water-melon is in Sind known as hirbut and is used as a purgative medicine (Watt).
Var— fistulosus, Stocks, H.F.B.I., II. 621.
Vern. — Tandus, tendu, tinda, (H and Pb.)
Habitat. — "This seems a peculiar form fairly local and much less known than the preceding. Chiefly met with in the United Provinces, Panjab and Sind, where it is specially designated dilpasand. Cultivated along with other melons from April— October." (Sir George Watt).
It has thick stems, leaves sparingly lobed, and is plentifully supplied with long somewhat hispid hairs.
Use. — " The seeds are used medicinally."
546. Cephalandra indica, Nand. h.f.b.i.ii., 621.
Syn. — Momordica monadelpha, Roxb. 694 ; Coccinia indica W. and A.
Sans. — Vimba.
Vern— -Kanduri, Ghol, Kúndrú (Pb.) ; Telákuchi (B.) ; Tondlâ or Bimbi (Bomb.) ; Korai (Tam.) ; Bhinb, Kanduri-ki-bel (H.) ; Goláru, Kanduri (Sind.) ; Ghobe, gluru, galedu (Guz.) Tonde-balli (Kan.).
Habitat. —Throughout India ; wild in the hedges of the Concan, in the rains as well as cultivated in the rainy season principally.
A climbing annual herb, scarcely hairy, tendrils simple. Leaves 2-4in. diam., 5-angular, occasionally 5-lobed, pupillose scabrid, distantly finely toothed, petiole lin. Male flowers : Peduncle lin., jointed below the flower ; Calyx-lobes linear oblong ; Corolla white campanulate, nearly lin ; lobes 5, long triangular. Stamens 3 ; anthers exsert, connate, one 1-celled, two 2-celled ; cells conduplicate. Ovary smooth oblong, style long, with trifid stigmas. Ovules many, horizontal.
Female Calyx and Corolla as in male, peduncle about ¼in. Fruit bright scarlet when ripe, fleshy, indehiscent, cylindric smooth, l-2in. by ½-lin. Seeds many, ovoid. ​ Uses. — The expressed-juice of the thick tap-root of this plant is used by the native physicians (kavirâjes) as an adjunct to the metallic preparations prescribed by them in diabetes. I know several patients who were benefited by the juice. It is very desirable that its therapeutic action should be tested (U. C. Dutt).
In the Concan, the root pounded with the juice of the leaves is applied as a lep to the whole body to induce perspiration in fever, the green fruit is chewed to cure sores on the tongue (Dymock).
This is a favourite remedy with the native practitioners (London Exhibition, 1862).
The bark of the root, dried and reduced to powder, is said to act as a good cathartic, in a dose of 30 grains (Taylor's Topography of Dacca).
The leaves, mixed with ghi, are applied as a liniment to sores. The whole plant, bruised and mixed with the oil of Euphorbia nuriifolia and powdered cumin seeds, is administered by natives in special diseases (Atkinson). The leaves are applied externally in eruptions of the skin, and the plant internally in gonorrhœa (Balfour).
547. Cucurbita maxima, Duchesne, h.f.b.l, ii. 622.
Vern. — Mitha kaddu (H.) ; Suphurú kúmra (B.); Pushinikkay (Tam.) ; Gummadi-kaya (Tel.). The seeds : Lálabhopalá-bija (Mar.)
Habitat. —Cultivated throughout India.
A large, climbing, hairy annual herb. Tendrils 2-4-fid. Leaves 4-6in. diam.. hispedulous and also with much soft hair, denticulate, with 5 shallow lobes or subentire ; sinus between the lobes narrow. Hairs of the petiole equal, not pungent. Petiole often nearly as long as the blade. Flowers monœcious, all solitary, white, very large. Male flowers : — Calyx- tube green, campanulate, 5-lobed, hardly half-way down; stamens 3, inserted low in the Calyx-tube ; segments lanceolate-linear ; ​ anthers connate, one 1 -celled, two 2-celled, cells conduplicate. Corolla 3-4 in. Male peduncle din. Female Calyx and Corolla as in the male. Female peduncle l½in., fruiting peduncle stout, corky striated, not grooved. Ovary oblong, style short, stigmas 3, bifid ; ovules very many, horizontal ; placentas three. Fruit fleshy, indehiscent, often large ; pulp yellow. Seeds, ovoid or oblong, compressed, about half an inch long, 1/6in. broad.
Uses. — The seeds are used medicinally. The oil is used as a nervine tonic. The pulp of the fruit is often used as a poultice (Watt).
An ounce of the seeds fried with their husks, mixed with sugar, and taken at bed time, and in the morning, followed by Castor oil, has been found an effectual anthelmintic in tape worms (S. Arjun).
The part of the fruit stalk in immediate contact with the ripe gourd, is removed and dried, and when made into a paste by rubbing in water, is considered a specific for bites of venomous insects of all kinds, cheifly for that of the centipede (P. Kinsley, in Watt's Dictionary).
Four samples of the oil received in the Indian Museum from Allahabad, Cuddapah, Punjab and Mandalay, were examined in 1907. The first three were yellow in colour, while the fourth was greenish-brown and flourescent ; they solidified about zero (Centigrade). The following maximum and minimum constants were noted : Specific gravity at 15°, 0.919 to 0.926 ; acid value, 6.38 to 17.65 ; saponification value, 194.9 to 197.1 ; iodine value 88-7 to 133.4 ; Reichert-Meissl value, 0.48 to 0.67 ; fatty acids and unsaponifiable, per cent. 94.3 to 95.8 ; melting point, 32° to 38°. (Agricultural Ledger 1911-12 No. 5).
548. C. Pepo, Dc. h.f.b.i., ii. 622 ; Roxb. 700.
Vern.— Kumra (B.) ; Safed Kaddu (H) ; Kaula (Bomb.); Kohala (Mar.) ; Kumbala kagi (Kan.) ; Petha (Pb.) ; Potti- gummadi. Budâde gummadi (Tel.) ; Pâni-kakharu (Orissa).
Habitat. —Cultivated throughout India.
An annual extensive climber. Tendrils 2-4fid. Leaves 5-lobed, roughly bristly, almost prickly ; sinus between lobes broad. Blade 4-6in. diam., softly hairy when young, hispidulous on the nerves beneath, denticulate, lobes acute, often slightly lobed ; petiole often nearly as long as the blade ; hairs on the ​ petals beneath rigid, almost prickly. Flowers large, monoecious, all solitary ; peduncles obtusely angled. Male peduncle 4in., or more. Female peduncle l½in-, strongly 5-8 ridged, woody and with intervening deep grooves, usually enlarging next the fruit. Corolla yellow, 3-4in. Fruit fleshy, large, round, mostly yellow to orange, smooth, the flesh not hardening ; hollow interior of the fruit traversed by coarse and separate soft or pulpy threads. Seeds oblong or ovoid with a tip, margin slightly winged, raised.
Uses : — The seeds are supposed to possess anthelmintic properties. The Indian Pharmacopoeia advocates trials of these seeds being made.
The leaves of this plant are used as external applications for burns (Atkinson).
" The seeds are largely used for flavoring certain preparations of Indian hemp, and the root for a nefarious purpose, viz. to make the preparation more potent." (Watt).
The husks contain a Xylem, as Xylose crystals have been isolated from the syrup obtained after the husks had been hydrolysed with sulphuric acid. A galactan is also present, as the mother liquors from the Xylose crystals yield mucic acid when oxidised.— J. Ch. S. Abs. 1907, p. 806.
The oil has been examined by Poda (1898), Graham (1901) and others, and the constants do not differ widely from those found in the oil expressed in India.
Specific gravity at 15°, 0*923 to 0'928 ; solidifying point,— 16°; saponification value, 188.7 to 195.7 ; iodine value, 121.0 to 130.7 ; Reichert-Meissl value, 0.43 to 0.52 ; refractive index at 25°, 70.2 to 72.5 ; insoluble fatty acids and unsaponifiable, 94.7 to 96.2 per cent., melting at 28.4° to 32°. Power and Salway (1910) determined the composition as glycerides to be ; linolic acid 45 per cent., oleic acid 25 per cent., palmitic and stearic acids 30 per cent., and a phytosterol.
The cold drawn oil and the seeds are used for edible purposes ; the lower qualities of pumpkin seed oil serve as a burning oil. (Agricultural Ledger 1911-12).
549. Bryonia laciniosa, Linn, h.f.b.i., ii. 622 ; Roxb. 703.
Vern. : — Gargoo-naroo (H.) ; Mala (B.) ; Kardaleche-dole, Sivalinga, popti, kandon (Bomb.) ; Nehœmaka (Mal.) ; Lingadonda (Tel.).
Habitat : — From the Himalaya throughout India. ​ Perennial herbs, climbing, with 2-fid tendrils. Rootstock large, tuberous. Stems very slender, glabrous, often spotted with darker green ; internodes very long. Leaves 3-5in., ovate-rotundate in outline, very deeply cordate at base, cut nearly to the base into 5-lanceolate or linear-acute, coarsely serrate segments, the two basal ones deeply pedate, glabrous, thin, the upper surface slightly rough, with minute scattered scales. Petiole 1-l½in. Flowers very pale yellow, in small clusters of 3-6, on short pedicels. Calyx-segments linear, filiform. Corolla- segments oval-oblong, acute, pubescent. Fruit globose, over ¾in. diam., smooth, bluish green, with broad, white, vertical stripes. Seeds ¼in. gibbous at sides, with a prominent raised band round the edge.
Use : — The whole plant is collected when in fruit for medicinal use. It is bitter and aperient, and is considered to have tonic properties (Dymock).
550. Mutia scabrella, Arn. h.f.b.i., ii. 623.
Syn. : — -Bryonia scabrella, Linn., f. Roxb. 702.
Vern. : — Bilari, agumaki (H.); Gwâla-kakri (U. P.); Chirâti, bellari (Sind.) ; Musu-musuk-kai (Ta.); Kutarubudama, putribudinga (Tel.) ; Chirâti (Mar.).
Habitat : — Common throughout India.
Perennial herbs ; tendrils simple. Stems climbing, long, slender, much-branched, angular, very hispid, with spreading bristly hairs, young parts covered densely with white hair. Leaves variable in size, usually 3-4in., but often only lin. or less, deltoid-ovate, very deeply cordate at base, with a white sinus, and the rounded lobes often overlapping, acute or obtuse at apex, rather shallowly 5-lobed, coarsely dentate-serrate, usually scabrous, with stiff hairs on both sides. Petiole fully half as long as the leaves, cylindric, very hispid. Flowers very small, males on sessile peduncles as long as calyx ; females nearly sessile. Calyx hairy, segments linear. Petals ovate, ciliate, a little longer than Calyx-segments. Berry about ½in., broadly ovoid, apiculate, with a few scattered hairs. Fruit scarlet ​ when ripe. Seeds horizontal, closely packed, oval, compressed in pulp. Flowers all the year, yellow (Trimen).
Uses : — The seeds in decoction are sudorific. The root, similarly prepared, is useful in flatulence, and, when masticated, relieves toothache (Atkinson). The tender shoots and bitter leaves are used as a gentle aperient and recommended in vertigo and biliousness (Dr. Peters, in Watt's Dictionary).
551. Zehneria Hookeriana, Arn., h.f,b.i., ii. 624.
Vern. : — Bân-kûndri (Chutia Nagpur).
Habitat : — North Bengal ; common in Sikkim, Assam, Khasia, and Cachar. Deccan Peninsula and Ceylon, common ; apparently always in the lower hills.
A climbing herb, with simple tendrils. Stem weak, nearly glabrous. Leaves cordate, acute, simple or angular, or 3-5-lobed half-way down, generally asperous above, and hairy beneath. Petiole larger than the auricles. Ovary glabrous, even before the expansion of the flower. Fruit 3-8in. diam. when dry, reticulate, rugose, globose. Seeds much flattened, oblong, margined, smooth or slightly tuberculate on the faces.
Use : — Root used with milk in fever and for diarrhœa (J. J. Wood's Plants of Chutia Nagpur, p. 106).
552. Z. umbellata, Thwaites, h.f.b.i., ii., 625.
Syn. : — Momordica umbellata, Roxb. 697.
Vern. : — Anant-mul, Tarali (H.) ; Kudari (B.) ; Gometta or Gometti (Bomb.); Tid-dândâ (Tel.) ; At (Santal) ; Gulkukru, Gulale-kukrigulârki (Kullu) ; Bankakra (Chamba) (Pb.).
Habitat:— Very common throughout India. This plant I found growing wild in my Ratnagiri garden, Outram House, 1898 to 1904 (K. R. K.).
Uses : — In the Concan, the juice of the root with cumin and sugar is given in cold milk as a remedy for spermatorrhoea, and the juice of the leaves is applied to parts which have become inflamed from the application of the marking-nut juice. As a Paustik, or restorative and fattening medicine, roasted onions, Gometta root, cumin, sugar and ghi are given, or Gometta only with milk and sugar (Dymock), ​
553. Rhynchocarpa fœtida, Schrœd, h.f.b.l, ii. 627.
Syn. : — Bryonia pilosa, Roxb. 703.
Vern. :— Appakovay kalung (the root) (Tam.) ; Cucumadunda (Tel.).
Habitat : — Guzerat ; Deccan Peninsula ; and Malabar hills.
A fœtid, scaberulous-pubescent, climbing herb ; tendrils simple, stem somewhat stout, pubescent. Leaves 2in. diam., orbicular or ovate, cordate, dentate ; petiole ½-1in. Male racemes small, scarcely lin. Calyx hairy, with subulate teeth. Connective of each anther produced into a long, curved pointed horn. Stigmas 2. Fruit ½in., globose, pubescent, beak nearly ½in., bright red, 2-celled. Seeds 4-6, lin., distinctly margined.
Use : — Ainslie says that the root is prescribed internally in electuary, in cases of piles, and in powder is sometimes ordered as a demulcent in humoral asthma.
554. Corallocarpus epigæa, Hook., h.f.b.l, ii. 628.
Syn. : — Æchmandra epigæa, Arn. ; Bryonia glabra, Roxb. 702.
Vern. : — Akás-gaddah (H. and Dec.) ; Kadwi-nai (Bomb.) ; Gollan-kovaik, akásha-garudan (Tam.) ; Nága donda (Tel.) ; Kollan-kova-kizha-una (Mal.) ; Akásha-garuda-gadde (Kan.).
Habitat : — Punjab, Rawalpindi ; Scinde and Guzerat ; Deccan Peninsula and Belgaum.
A small, herbaceous, annual climber. Root very large, turnip-shaped, often irregular. Throws out foliage in the early part of the rains ; flowers between July and September. Seed mature in the cold weather. Stem roundish, rather succulent, prostrate, glabrous, glaucous (Trimen), seldom as thick as a quill, jointed, often bending at right angles at the joints, or " flexuose" as Wight calls it. Tendrils simple, in the older branches very much-branched, distinctly lateral. Leaves rather small, l-l½in. long, rotundate, very cordate sometimes at base. More or less 3-5 lobed. Lobes obtuse ​ or acute, irregularly or slightly dentate. Wight says : "The leaves are sometimes only obtused-angled, densely covered on both sides with short bristly hairs." This is something more than being pubescent as described by Trimen. Wight's description is more accurate as regards Indian species. Petiole more than half the length of the leaf, stout glabrous, and some-what round, often bent to give the leaf a deplexed appearance. Flowers unisexual, monoecious, yellowish green. Male flower's very small, on short pedicels, more yellow than the female flowers. Inflorescence. " A small corymb at the apex of a long peduncle " (C. B. Clarke). Peduncle roundish, smooth, straight, stiff. Bracteoles present at the insertion of the pedicels. Pedicels short, ¼-½ in., sometimes lin. Calyx campanulate, lobes 5, short. Corolla 5-partite. Stamens 5 (arranged 2+2+1), that is, 2 sets of stamens united, forming a bundle each of two filaments and one solitary, nearly sessile, at the mouth of the Calyx-tube. Connective very small. Anthers free, 1-celled, straight, oblong, not produced ; no rudimentary gynoecium in the male flowers. Females axillary, solitary, in the same or different axils from those of the male flower, or accompanied with a small raceme ; larger than the male. Ovary inferior, ovoid, of three carpels united into one cell. Ovules 6-9, horizontal; stigmas 3, styles 3, distinct, short. Fruit ⅜in., often ½-¾in., roundish or ovoid, mostly conical, with a bent-beak, which is hardly perceptible in most flowers. Fruit smooth, of orange or brick-red colour when ripe. Seeds elliptical or nearly globose, little margined, 6-9, in an orange-coloured pulp, very slightly compressed, pale-brown, adpressed, says Trimen, Wight, on the other hand, says the seeds are white. In the specimens I have examined, the pulp is distinctly whitish, and the older the seeds, the browner their colour [K. R. K.J
Uses : — Ainslie remarks that the Vytians hold it in great estimation, and prescribe it in the later stages of dysentery, and old venereal complaints. It is usually administered in powder, the dose being about one draham in 24 hours, and continued for eight or ten days together ; this quantity produces ​ one or two loose motions. It is also considered anthelmintic. For external use in chronic rheumatism, it is made into a liniment with cumin seed, onion and castor oil. In the Deccan and in Mysore, the root has a repute as a remedy for snake-bite ; it is administered internally, and applied to the bitten part (Dymock and Ph. Ind.).
555. Zanonia indica, Linn, h.f.b.l, ii. 633.
Sans. : — Chirpota ; Dîrghapatra ; Kuntali ; Tiktaka.
Vern :— Chirpota (H.) ; Penar-valli (Mai.) ; Chiraputi (Mar.) ; Penar-Valli(Mal.)
Habitat : — Assam and East Bengal; Deccan Peninsula; and Malabar Mountains.
Perennial, climbing herbs. Tendrils simple. Stems stout, cylindrical, semi-woody, grey, glabrous. Leaves large, 3-6in., deciduous, leaving a very prominent circular scar, broadly oval to lanceolate, rounded or cordate at base, somewhat acuminate, apiculate, quite entire, glabrous, rather thick ; reticulate venation, rather conspicuous beneath. Flowers greenish-yellow, rather small (female much the larger), on short pedicels. Male panicles 6-12in. long, branched chiefly at base, with flowers in small clusters. Female recames longer, with flowers solitary, distant. Calyx-segments rotundate, concave, glabrous ; petals ovate acuminate obi use, with incurved points. Male flowers: — filament short, broad, spreading. Female flower: — ovary ½in., glabrous ; styles rather long ; capsule 1-1½in. or more, cylindrical, rounded at base, truncate, at apex, glabrous, pale yellowish-brown. Seed with wind as long as the fruit, very flat, glabrous, yellow, wing ronnded at the ends (Trimen).
Uses : — The leaves, beaten up with milk and butter, are applied as a liniment in antispasmodic affections (Rheede).
The fruits are said to possess very acrid cathartic properties. Hakims assert that the fresh juice is very efficacious as an antidote to the venomous bites of the gecko (S. Arjun).
The Sinhalese value the plant as a febrifuge (Thwaites).
In Malabar, a bath made by boiling the leaves in water is used to remove the nervous irritation caused by boils (Dymock).
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