Herb's Introduction
Trichosanthes cucumerina L. is a herbaceous, annual vine belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, which also includes gourds, melons, and squashes. It is a tropical and subtropical plant cultivated primarily for its strikingly long, edible fruit. It has two main variants: Trichosanthes cucumerina var. anguina (L.) Haines, the cultivated variant known as the Snake Gourd, and Trichosanthes cucumerina var. cucumerina, the wild variant. The wild form is often characterized by smaller, bitter fruits. Originating in South and Southeast Asia, including India and Nepal, the plant is valued for both its nutritional and its extensive medicinal properties, recognized particularly in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and traditional folk medicine systems.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by numerous names globally, reflecting its widespread cultivation and use: Scientific Name: Trichosanthes cucumerina L. Family: Cucurbitaceae English: Snake Gourd, Wild Snake Gourd, Viper Gourd, Snake Tomato, Long Tomato, Chinese Cucumber. Nepali: चिचिण्डो (Chichindo) Hindi: जंगली चिचोण्डा (jangli chichonda), कड़वा परवर (kadva parvar), pudel Bengali: চিচিঙ্গা (Chichinga) Marathi: जंगली पडवल (jungli padwal), कडू पडवळ (kadu padwal), पडोळ (padol) Sanskrit: पटोल (patola) (often referring to the related T. dioica, but also used for the bitter fruits of T. cucumerina) Tamil: காட்டுப்பேய்ப்புடல் (kattuppeypputal) Telugu: అడవిపొట్ల కాయ (adavipotla kaya), నాటు పొట్లకాయ (Natu potlakaaya) Malayalam: padavalanga Kannada: ಪಡುವಲಕಾಯಿ (paduvalakaayi) Arabic: Qar’ El Hhanash Chinese: She Gua, Sha Kua, She Xing Gua French: Courge Serpent, Patole German: Schlangengurke
Terminology
Botanical Terminology: The plant is a monoecious annual vine, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year and has separate male and and female flowers on the same plant. It climbs using tendrils. The genus name Trichosanthes is derived from the Greek words thrix (hair) and anthos (flower), referring to the distinctive, long, fringed hairs on the edges of the petals. The species name cucumerina refers to its resemblance to the cucumber genus, Cucumis. Ayurvedic Terminology: In Ayurveda, the bitter varieties, particularly the fruit and root, are often associated with properties like Rakta Shodhaka (blood purifier), Deepana (appetizer), and Virechana (laxative).
Availability
Geographical Distribution: T. cucumerina is native to a broad region spanning South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China. It is also found in northern Australia. Habitat in Nepal: As a tropical to subtropical climber, it is cultivated and also found in the wild in the lowland and middle-hill regions of Nepal, where the climate is suitable for its growth, particularly during the rainy season. Market Availability: The cultivated variety (Snake Gourd) is readily available as a common vegetable in markets across these regions, including Nepal, particularly when immature and tender for culinary use. The wild, more bitter variety is often sought specifically for its traditional medicinal uses.
External Look
Habit: It is a vigorous, slender, annual climbing vine, reaching up to 5 to 6 meters in height, supported by 2-3 branched tendrils. Leaves: The leaves are alternate, simple, palmately 5 to 7 lobed, with dentate (toothed) margins, and are often hairy on both surfaces. They measure between 7 to 25 cm long. Flowers: The flowers are unisexual (male and female on the same plant), white, and open at night. They are highly distinctive due to the long, lacy, fringe-like hairs on the margins of the petals, giving them a delicate, star-like appearance. Fruit (Gourd): The common name "Snake Gourd" describes the fruit. The immature fruit is soft-skinned, narrow, cylindrical, often twisted or coiled, and remarkably long, reaching anywhere from 30 cm up to 150 cm (5 feet). The color is typically greenish-white or green. As it matures, the skin becomes harder, and the fruit changes color to orange or red, acquiring bitterness and becoming fibrous. Root: The roots are somewhat tuberous and whitish.
Healing Properties
Rich in Bioactive Compounds: The plant contains therapeutically active chemical constituents, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, lectins, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its medicinal efficacy. Traditional Healing Properties: Historically and in traditional systems, the plant is reported to possess a wide range of properties: Anthelmintic/Vermifuge: Used to expel intestinal worms (reported for root, seed, and fruit). Antipyretic: Used to reduce fever (reported for whole plant and root). Anti-inflammatory: Reported activity, particularly in the roots and tubers. Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver. Antidiabetic: Studies suggest it may help improve glucose tolerance. Laxative/Purgative: Aids in relieving constipation and promoting bowel movements (reported for fruit and root juice). Stomachic/Appetizer: Improves digestion and appetite. Depurative (Blood Purifier): Used for treating skin diseases. Antimicrobial: Used against helminth, fungal, and bacterial infections.
Advantages
High Nutritional Value: The tender fruit is consumed as a vegetable and is a good source of vitamins (A, B, and C), essential minerals (magnesium, potassium, copper, iron), and dietary fiber, making it a wholesome addition to the diet. Diverse Therapeutic Applications: Almost every part of the plant (fruit, leaf, root, seed) has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, indicating its high utility in traditional medicine. Support for Metabolic Health: It is particularly advantageous for individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes due to its low cholesterol, high fiber content, and anti-diabetic activity, helping to manage blood sugar and heart health. Detoxification Aid: It is traditionally used as a blood purifier and to stimulate the natural elimination of body wastes, supporting kidney and liver function.
Uses
The uses of T. cucumerina can be broadly divided into culinary and medicinal: Culinary Uses: Vegetable: The tender, immature fruit is widely consumed as a cooked vegetable, often boiled, stir-fried, or used in curries. Tomato Substitute: In some parts of Africa, the reddish pulp of the mature fruit is mashed and used as an economical substitute for tomato in soups. Young Shoots and Leaves: The tender stems, young shoots, and leaves are also sometimes consumed as edible greens or vegetables, adding nutritional value. Medicinal Uses (Traditional/Ayurvedic): Whole Plant/Extracts: Used as a depurative (blood purifier) and stomachic. Fruit (especially bitter varieties): Used as a blood purifier for skin diseases, as a germicidal, appetizer, laxative (for bilious disorders), for fever, and in anti-malarial preparations. Root: Used as a purgative, cathartic, anthelmintic (for intestinal worms), for fevers, bronchitis, and headaches. Root paste is externally applied for gonorrhea and root juice to lower glucose levels. Leaves: Used externally in traditional remedies for alopecia (hair loss) and internally for bilious disorders, skin diseases, and topically for skin conditions and wounds. Leaf juice is also used as an emetic. Seeds: Used as an anthelmintic, anti-febrile, and for stomach disorders.
Using way
The methods of preparation and use vary significantly depending on the part of the plant and the intended therapeutic effect: For General Health/Nutritional Intake: Immature Fruit: Cooked and consumed as a vegetable (curry, stir-fry). For Blood Purification/Skin Diseases (Ayurvedic): Bitter Fruit/Leaves: Decoctions or infusions (boiled in water) are prepared from the bitter fruits or leaves. The bitter fruits of the wild variety are preferred. For Digestive Disorders (Laxative/Anthelmintic): Root/Root Juice: Fresh juice extracted from the root is used traditionally as a drastic purgative. Dosage must be strictly controlled due to its potent nature. Seeds/Fruit Pulp: Decoctions or infusions of the seeds or bitter fruit pulp are consumed. For Fever/Headache/Topical Ailments: Root Paste: Applied externally for localized infections and boils. Leaf Juice: Rubbed over the liver area in some regions (like Konkan, India) to relieve liver congestion and constipation; also applied topically for alopecia or skin conditions. Whole Plant Decoction: Used as an antipyretic. Note: Given the potent nature of some parts (e.g., the root as a drastic purgative/emetic) and the distinction between the mild cultivated vegetable and the bitter medicinal wild variety, any medicinal use should be under the guidance of a qualified traditional or healthcare practitioner.
Conclusion
Trichosanthes cucumerina L. (Snake Gourd, Nepali: Chichindo) is a versatile and highly valued plant within the family Cucurbitaceae, embodying a dual role as both a common, nutritious vegetable and a powerful traditional medicine. Cultivated across tropical Asia, including Nepal, its long, edible fruit provides essential vitamins and fiber. Medicinally, virtually all parts of the plant—the root, leaves, seeds, and the bitter wild fruit—are employed in folk and systematic traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, where it is primarily known for its anthelmintic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, and blood-purifying properties. Its extensive traditional usage, supported by modern studies investigating its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities, underscores its significance as a key medicinal plant. However, due to the potent nature of some of its compounds, particularly in the wild/bitter varieties, responsible and informed use is paramount.
