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squash

Cucurbita · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (16 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Squash, scientifically known as Cucurbita, is a versatile genus of flowering plants valued for both culinary and medicinal properties. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, various species offer therapeutic benefits, including supporting digestive health, boosting immunity, and providing anti-inflammatory effects, making them a vital staple in traditional herbal medicine.

Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Gourd · Squash · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Melopepo · Ozodycus · 3 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Cucurbita

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

German:

  • Kürbisse
  • Kürbisgewächs
  • Kürbis
  • Kürbisse

French:

  • Courge

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitales, it is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cucurbita.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Cucurbitales
Family Cucurbitaceae
Genus Cucurbita

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions within Northern Europe. In the southern reaches of this area, it can be found growing in Denmark. Moving further north, the species is also established throughout Sweden and Norway. Its presence extends into the easternmost parts of the region, specifically in Finland. Finally, the plant's range reaches the western territories of Great Britain.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Finland
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia
Middle Europe Germany
Southwestern Europe France

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Cucurbita has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CUB, CORTICOSTERONE, Cucurbitacin, Cucurbitacins, Phytosterols.

Chemicals reported in Cucurbita
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
CUB 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
CORTICOSTERONE 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Cucurbitacin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Cucurbitacins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Phytosterols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ascorbic acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ellagic acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
linoleic acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
myricetin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
riboflavin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

CUB

  1. The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology
  2. Scientific reports

CORTICOSTERONE

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cucurbitacin

  1. Plant physiology

Cucurbitacins

  1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Phytosterols

  1. Journal of oleo science

ascorbic acid

  1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

ellagic acid

  1. Chemistry Central journal

linoleic acid

  1. Journal of oleo science

myricetin

  1. Chemistry Central journal

riboflavin

  1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

Conditions

Cucurbita has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include diabetes mellitus, non-small cell lung cancer.

Conditions investigated for Cucurbita
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Diabetes mellitus 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Non-small cell lung cancer 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Diabetes mellitus

  1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Non-small cell lung cancer

  1. Scientific reports