An umbrella review on ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and phytochemical profile of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.): A bioactive healthy vegetable of Indian subcontinent

Abstract

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. is a widely cultivated cucurbitaceous vegetable of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Its unripe fruits are consumed as vegetable. This review aims to present an umbrella overview of botany, ethnomedicinal uses, nutritional and phytochemical profile of T. dioica and compilation of research confirming many pharmacological and healing properties of its plant parts. Importantly, several reports from India and Bangladesh have confirmed its ethnomedicinal usage in many biomedical conditions. Bioactive compounds like triterpenes, polyphenols present in different parts of T. dioica make it a powerhouse of health, immunity and nutrition. Different parts of T. dioica including root, stem, leaf, fruit and seed exhibit wide range of therapeutic properties including antidiabetic, anti-tumour, antiulcer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antihyperlipidemic, antipyretic, wound healing, laxative, antinociceptive and hepato-protective. Results signified that it may be useful to re-look to find possibilities for using its active metabolites in contemporary medicine and nutraceuticals.

Keywords

• Trichosanthes dioica
• Pharmacology
• Therapeutic property
• Phytochemicals