Abstract

A LITERATURE REVIEW OF KUSHMANDA (BENINCASA HISPIDA) IN AYURVEDIC CLASSICS

Arti Firke* and R. B. Bobade

Abstract

Kushmanda (Benincasa Hispida) is described in Samhitas and Nighantus under Shakvarga.It belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It is also known as Ash Gourd or white gourd or wax gourd. Kushmanda is a large climbing or trailing herb cultivated as a vegetable throughout India up to an altitude of 1,200 m. Flowering and fruiting time is during June to October. Its juice is useful in various diseases. Kushmanda is useful in various diseases like kasa, shwas, Apasmar, Unmad, Mutrakrishtra, Mutraghat.Kushmanda is described as rasayan, brihan, balya and dhatupushtikar due to its madhura rasa, madhur vipak, sheeta veerya and laghu and snigdha property. Unripe Kushmanda is described as Guru. Pakva Kushmanda is described as Tridoshhar, Bal Kushmanda is pittashamak and madhyam fruit increases kapha. In this article, complete review of Kushmanda has been taken in ayurvedic classics.

Keywords: Kushmanda, Diseases, Madhur.