Cucurbita moschata
Cucurbita moschata, commonly known as the butternut squash, is a versatile medicinal plant valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it supports immune function and digestive health. Traditionally used in holistic remedies, this squash offers significant bioactive compounds essential for promoting overall bodily wellness.
- Scientific name: Cucurbita moschata
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitaleales, it falls under the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Cucurbita, specifically identified as the species Cucurbita moschata.
| 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 moschata, is recognized by various names across different languages and cultures. In Haitian Creole, it is called Jomou, while in Manding, it is referred to as Andai. In Polish, the species is known as dynia piżmowa, and in Quechua, it goes by the name Lakawiti. Additionally, in Sundanese, this medicinal plant is commonly called Waluh konéng.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ht | Jomou | Wikidata |
| gn | Andai | Wikidata |
| pl | dynia piżmowa | Wikidata |
| qu | Lakawiti | Wikidata |
| su | Waluh konéng | Wikidata |
| ru | Тыква мускатная | Wikidata |
| fr | courge musquée | Wikidata |
| he | דלורית | Wikidata |
| ta | கல்யாணப் பூசணி | Wikidata |
| tr | Bal kabağı | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse presence across various regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its distribution can be specifically noted within the borders of Austria. The species also extends into Southwestern Europe, where it is found in both Portugal and Spain. Moving toward the Mediterranean, its range continues through Southeastern Europe. Specifically, this medicinal plant is documented in the territories of Albania and Italy.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Chagos Archipelago | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cucurbita moschatia, is a versatile medicinal species where various components offer unique health benefits. The large, nutrient-dense seeds are frequently utilized for their high mineral content and ability to support prostate health, while the vibrant flowers are sometimes consumed for their nutritional value. The fleshy pulp within the fruits provides a rich source of vitamins and dietary fiber, making it a vital component in various traditional remedies. Additionally, the broad leaves are often employed in topical applications or dietary preparations to leverage their specific bioactive properties.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 10
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendril extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flower Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cucurbita moschata has 23 reported phytochemicals identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Syringic acid, abscisic acid, arabinose, carotenoids, catalase.
- Total chemicals
- 23
- Scientific sources
- 23
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Syringic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abscisic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arabinose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carotenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catalase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cinnamic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethephon | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethylene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| galactose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cucurbita moschata has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cucurbita moschata has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Diabetes mellitus, burns, cancer, diabetes mellitus, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| burns | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| miscarriage | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoporosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| preterm birth | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |