Medicinal Values of Trichosanthus cucumerina L. (Snake Gourd) - A Review

Snake gourd is an annual climber and it’s commonly called as snake gourd, viper gourd, snake tomato or long tomato. The fruit is usually consumed as a vegetable due to it is good nutritional value. The fruit is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C. It improves the appetite and acts as a tonic and stomachic and cures biliousness. This is one of the most genetically diverse groups of food plant in the plant kingdom and every part of this plant is used to treat various diseases. It is used in the treatment of head ache, alopecia, fever, abdominal tumors, bilious, boils, acute colic, diarrohea, haematuria and skin allergy. T. curcumineria is used as an abortifacient, vermifuge, stomachic, refrigerant, purgative, malaria, laxative, hydragogue, hemagglutinant, emetic, cathartic, bronchitis and anthelmintic. This review paper completed focus on the biosystematics, nutritional, chemical constituents and scientific medicinal uses of the plant.