A comprehensive study of the phytoconstituents present in different parts of Trichosanthes dioica and their therapeutic use in different systems of Medicine.

Trichosanthes dioica is a very easily available and well recognised vegetable in and around India. Different parts of the plant have been in use in traditional medicine like Ayurveda since long. The saponins present in its leaves are capable of reducing blood sugar level, lowering cholesterol and alleviating hypertention. In Ayurveda the leaves are used as liver and spleen tonic. The stem contains Novel Prenylated triterpenoidal saponin which has anti inflammatory properties and can be used as an alternative to NSAIDs. In Ayurveda the stem is used as expectorant. In Unani the stem is used for bilious disorders and as febrifuge. The roots contain protein-Trichosanthin which has anti-cancer, anti-HIV-1, anti-HSV-1 and immunoregulatory properties. It also has triterpens- Amyrins, Euphol and Taraxerol which are effective as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. Cucurbitacin aglycons present in the roots cause paralytic and lethal effects on parasites and thus act as anti-helmintic. The root extract also inhibits arsenic induced cardic toxicity. In Ayurveda the root is used to treat viral infection, skin diseases, gastritis, anaemia. In Homoeopathy it is used for treating malaria, kala-azar. It is also used in diarrhoea or dysentery. The fruits contain Cucurbitacin B and Lupeol which have action against cancer and sepsis. The seeds have Karounidiol triterpinoid which can be beneficial as anti-cancer and chemopreventive agent. scavenging action of free radicals. Thus researches have shown the multiple therapeutic effects of different parts of Trichosanthes dioica and an ample scope of its use as medicine in different systems without the side effects of synthetic drugs.