According to Hartwell the plant figures into remedies for cancer, carcinoma, endothelioma, leukemia, corns, tumors of the liver and spleen, even the eye. The pulp or leaves is a folk remedy for cancerous tumors. A decoction of the whole plant, made in juice of fennel, is said to help indurations of the liver. Roots may also be used as purgative against ascites, for jaundice, urinary diseases, rheumatism, and for snake-poison. Bitter substance is colocynthin and colocynthetin.
Roots contain a-elaterin, hentriacontane, and saponins.
The oil contains oleic, linoleic, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Germplasm Many cvs have been developed, but drug from these is inferior. Cultures in New Mexico produce large fruits but are less active. Distribution Native to dry areas of North Africa, being common throughout the Sahara, areas of Morocco, Egypt and Sudan, eastward through Iran to India and other parts of tropical Asia. Has been known since Biblical times and cultivated in the Mediterranean region, especially in Cyprus and in India for many centuries.