Abstract

COCCINIA GRANDIS (L) VOIGT- REVIEW

Varuna V.*

Abstract

The Cucurbitaceae family is commonly known as gourd, melon and pumpkin family. The family of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, is Cucurbitaceous, comprises 960 species. (English name: ivy gourd) commonly known as “Kovai”, also called tindora' (tindori, tindoori). It is fast-growing perennial vine that grows several meters long. Coccinia grandis is used by humans mostly as a food crop. The aim of this article briefly reviews on up to date and comprehensive literature analysis in areas of chemical constituents, proved pre-clinical and clinical trails along with its medicinal uses in different streams of medical science. The data are collected from the ancient Siddha literature, Botany literature and through the scholar and pub med internet arms. It has been used in traditional medicine as a household remedy for various diseases. The whole plant of Coccinia grandis having pharmacological activities like analgesic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, antidyslipidemic, anticancer, antitussive, mutagenic. Coccinia grandis have been to possess expectorant, antispasmodic, antiperiodic, stimulant and diaphoretic properties. Therefore the final note emphasizes this plant widely being used for treatment of diabetes, hypertension, fever, jaundice, and gastrointestinal problems and to relieve pain. The Coccinia grandis has good potential of medicinal values and chemical constituents.

Keywords: Coccinia grandis, chemical constituents, preclinical, clinical.