Abstract

A REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS

Pratheeksha B. R., Dr. Rama R. Nargund* and Dr. Sachindra L. Nargund

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Abstract

The significance of health and the awareness about the adverse effects of synthetic drugs has made an impact towards the traditional medicines. Medicinal plants are well known for its curative properties for multiple diseases which improves the living conditions. Therefore, the demand for herbal medicines got increased. Among thousands of medicinal plants across the world, one of which is named Citrullus colocynthis. An herbaceous plant rich in essential nutrients, plays a significant role in promoting wellbeing. It is a valuable cucurbit plant, which is widely distributed in the desert areas of the world. It is recognized for its wide range of medicinal uses as well as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential. Citrullus colocynthis has been shown to exhibit multifaceted biological activities such as analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antihyperglycemic, anti-obesity. Various bioactive chemical constituents are also found in this fruit such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, fatty acids and essential oils. This review suggests that Citrullus colocynthis has broad spectrum of pharmacological activity.

Keywords: Citrullus colocynthis, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer.