Trichosanthes dioica
Trichosanthes dioica, commonly known as Kundru or Snake Gourd, is a versatile medicinal climber prized in Ayurvedic traditions. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it offers potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties. This nutrient-dense vegetable supports digestive health, aids weight management, and serves as a natural remedy for various ailments.
- Scientific name: Trichosanthes dioica
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and falls under 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 dioica, is known by various regional names across the Indian subcontinent. In Hindi, it is commonly referred to as परवल, while in Bengali, it is called পটল. In Malayalam, the plant is known as കാട്ടുപടവലം, and in Gujarati, it is referred to as પરવળ. Additionally, in Nepali, it is known as परबर.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hi | परवल | Wikidata |
| bn | পটল | Wikidata |
| ml | കാട്ടുപടവലം | Wikidata |
| gu | પરવળ | Wikidata |
| ne | परबर | Wikidata |
| ar | بروال | Wikidata |
| or | ପୋଟଳ | Wikidata |
| fa | پاتولا | Wikidata |
| arz | بروال | Wikidata |
| as | পটল | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across various regions of the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing throughout the diverse landscapes of India and its neighboring nation, Bangladesh. Within the subcontinent, its presence extends to the lush greenery of Assam. The species also inhabits the rugged terrains of the East Himalaya. Furthermore, its geographical range includes the mountainous areas of Nepal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Kundru or Spiny Gourd, utilizes various components for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The roots of Trichosanthes dioica are often studied for their potential therapeutic properties in traditional medicine, frequently used to address specific ailments due to their bioactive compounds. Additionally, the fruits are the most widely recognized part of the plant, consumed both in their immature and mature stages for their antioxidant properties and their ability to support digestive health.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Trichosanthes dioica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include triterpenoid.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| triterpenoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Trichosanthes dioica has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, Depressant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Depressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Trichosanthes dioica has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include blood sugar, diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| blood sugar | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |