Ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, antimicrobial potential and phytochemistry of Trichosanthes anguina linn.-A review

The comprehensive information is provided in this review on Trichosanthes anguina (syn T. cucumerina) traditional uses, ethnobotanical aspects, phytochemistry and pharmacological uses. All-embracing literature survey given way to the promising pharmacological 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. The therapeutic uses of T. anguina include its usefulness for treatment of wounds including boils, sores, skin eruptions such as eczema and dermatitis. It is a tropical or subtropical vine, raised for its strikingly long fruit, used as a vegetable, medicine. Roots are used for its antidiabetic, anthelmintic activities. Leaves juice rubbed over the liver in remittent fever, skin diseases, antispasmodic, emetic, hypoglycaemic activity. It has long been used as appetizer, laxative, aphrodisiac and blood purifier and also in cardiac failure. The stem is used for bilious disorders, skin diseases.