Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina
Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina, commonly known as snake gourd, is a versatile climbing vine valued in traditional medicine. Beyond its nutritional benefits, this plant possesses significant therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cooling effects. It is widely utilized in herbal remedies to treat various ailments and promote overall wellness.
- Scientific name: Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Cucurbitales and the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Trichosanthes.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Trichosanthes | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina, is known by various names across different languages and regions. In English, it is frequently referred to as the snake gourd, while in Hindi, it is commonly called kakrol or patola. In Bengali, the plant is known as chichinga, and in Tamil, it is called podalangai.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is documented within the borders of Guinea-Bissau, where it thrives in local ecosystems. The species can also be found growing throughout the nation of Guinea. Furthermore, its range extends into the territory of Senegal. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the coastal areas of Ivory Coast and Benin.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional and pharmacological studies to explore its therapeutic potential. The seeds of this species are of particular interest due to their unique chemical composition, often containing bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's medicinal properties. To isolate and concentrate these active constituents, researchers frequently employ an ethanol extract, a method that effectively draws out various alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids from the plant tissues. By analyzing this extract, scientists can better understand how different parts of the plant interact with biological systems to provide healing effects.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethanol extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |