Cucurbita ficifolia
Fig-leaf gourd
Cucurbita ficifolia, commonly known as the fig-leaf gourd or tayoté, is a versatile medicinal plant native to Central and South America. Renowned for its nutritional density, it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used to support kidney health and digestion, this unique squash provides significant therapeutic potential in holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Cucurbita ficifolia
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Cucurbitales and the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Cucurbita.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cucurbita | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cucurbita ficifolia, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In German, it is referred to as the Feigenblatt-Kürbis, while in French, it is commonly called Courge de Siam. Its historical and cultural roots are reflected in the Nahuatl name Chilacayohtli. Moving to Europe, it is known as the Vijgenbladpompoen in Dutch and is called Dynia figolistna in Polish.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Feigenblatt-Kürbis | Wikidata |
| fr | Courge de Siam | Wikidata |
| nah | Chilacayohtli | Wikidata |
| nl | Vijgenbladpompoen | Wikidata |
| pl | Dynia figolistna | Wikidata |
| pt | Chila-caiota | Wikidata |
| ru | Тыква фиголистная | Wikidata |
| zh | 魚翅瓜 | Wikidata |
| ja | クロダネカボチャ | Wikidata |
| eo | Figfolia melono | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several continents and distinct climatic zones. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing in Germany, while its presence in Southwestern Europe is noted in Spain. The species also inhabits the Macaronesian region, specifically within the Canary Islands. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the plant is established in the Assam region. Finally, its range extends to the Southern Hemisphere, where it is located in New Zealand North.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| New Zealand | New Zealand North | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cucurbita ficifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include D-chiro-inositol, polyphenols, sugars.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| D-chiro-inositol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sugars | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cucurbita ficifolia has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Cytotoxic, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cucurbita ficifolia has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Diabetes mellitus, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hyperglycemia.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |