Coccinia grandis

Ivy gourd

Cocciniia grandiis, commonly known as the Ivy Gourd, is a versatile medicinal plant prized for its therapeutic properties. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it is traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and promote skin health. This nutritious climber offers significant healing potential in holistic wellness practices.

  • Scientific name: Coccinia grandis
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Cucurbitales, it is classified under the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Coccinia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Cucurbitales WCVP
Family Cucurbitaceae WCVP
Genus Coccinia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Coccinia grandis, is known by various regional names across different languages, including कुंदुरी (kunduri) in Hindi, Kundru in Hindi-fied transliteration, കോവൽ (koval) in Malayalam, तोंडले (tondle) in Marathi, and Timun padang in Malay.
Language Common Name Source
hi कुंदुरी Wikidata
hif Kundru Wikidata
ml കോവൽ Wikidata
mr तोंडले Wikidata
ms Timun padang Wikidata
nl Tindola Wikidata
sa बिम्बफलम् Wikidata
te దొండ కాయ Wikidata
th ตำลึง Wikidata
to Vaine fakafulutāmakiaʻi Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Coccinia grandis, exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is documented within the borders of Egypt. Moving toward the western coastal regions, the species is widely distributed throughout West Tropical Africa. Specific countries where it can be found include Benin, Gambia, and Ghana. Furthermore, its range extends into the West Tropical African nation of Guinea-Bissau.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Niger WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Coccinia grandis, is a climbing vine where various components are utilized for their therapeutic potential. The lush green leaves are often processed to treat skin ailments, and each individual plant leaf can be applied topically or used in decoctions. The large, succulent leaf structure is characteristic of its vigorous growth pattern. Furthermore, the roots are frequently employed in traditional medicine to address various internal conditions, while the edible fruit is noted for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
11
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 6 ★★★☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
plant leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf Extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Coccinia grandis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyprenol.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
polyprenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Coccinia grandis has 6 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antihyperglycemic, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antioxidant 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihyperglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproteolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Coccinia grandis has 18 reported medicinal uses identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Atopic dermatitis, anti-oxidant, apoptosis, blood glucose, diabetes complications.

Total uses
18
Scientific sources
18

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Atopic dermatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anti-oxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
apoptosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
blood glucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes complications 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dyslipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eye infection 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆