Family: Cucurbitaceae

Genus: Trichosanthes

Species: cucumerina

Synonyms: Trichosanthes anguina

Common names: Snake Gourd, Snakegourd, Pointed Gourd, Serpent Gourd, Chinese Cucumber, Gualou

General Description: Snake Gourd is an annual climber with lobed, rich green leaves. It has white flowers that bloom in the summer followed by white striped slender fruit that turns orange when ripe. The unique fruit can be up to six feet in length. The lacy white flowers bloom only after dark. The genus Thichosanthes comes from the Greek and means "hair flower", which describes the fragrant and delicately fringed white petals. This species is commonly grown for its use as a vegetable or use as a medicine.

Location: This tropical vine is native to southeastern Asia and Australia but is currently cultivated throughout the world.

Uses: Many parts of this plant are used including the fruit, seed and roots. The fruit is considered to be anthelmintic, emetic, and purgative. The seed are cooling. There are also a number of medicinal uses for Snake Gourd including use as an aphrodisiac, a laxative, and to treat worms. It can be used ot treat ailments such as wasting, thirst and fever. Another interesting use for Snake Gourd is the fruit can be used as a soap substitute.

Snake Gourd, which is part of the pumpkin family, is chemically very diverse. Peptides in the plant are used as an abortifacient in China. Alkaloids have also been reported in the family which, however, is noted for a class of compounds called the cucurbitacins. Saponins, sterols, and phenolics are also known.

This tropical plant is commonly eaten in Indian and other southeastern Asian dishes. It is a common ingredient in many curries.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.