Home > Herbs > Cucumis Metuliferus

horned melon

Cucumis metuliferus · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Horned melon, scientifically known as Cucumis metuiferus, is a fascinating medicinal plant native to southern Africa. Renowned for its vibrant, spiky exterior, this unique fruit offers more than just nutrition. It possesses significant therapeutic potential, traditionally utilized for its antioxidant properties and various bioactive compounds to support holistic wellness.

Family
Not available
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Fruit · Seed
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Cucumis metuliferus

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Kiwano
  • Cucumis metulifer

German:

  • Horngurke
  • Kiwano
  • Hornmelone
  • Cucumis metulifer

French:

  • Cucumis metulifer
  • Kiwano

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Cucumis metuliferus, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several specific countries that share similar climatic conditions. For instance, it can be found growing within the borders of Benin and Burkina. The species also extends its range into Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes Liberia.

Region Area
West Tropical Africa Benin
West Tropical Africa Burkina
West Tropical Africa Guinea
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast
West Tropical Africa Liberia
West Tropical Africa Nigeria
West Tropical Africa Niger
West Tropical Africa Senegal
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Cucumis metuliferus has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, seed.

Plant parts reported in Cucumis metuliferus
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Fruit 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Seed 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Fruit

  1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Seed

  1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Conditions

Cucumis metuliferus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antioxidant.

Conditions investigated for Cucumis metuliferus
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antioxidant

  1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Preparations

Cucumis metuliferus has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Water and methanol extracts from seeds.

Preparations reported for Cucumis metuliferus
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Water and methanol extracts from seeds 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Water and methanol extracts from seeds

  1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS