Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Claudia-Sorina LUNGU, Costel VÎNĂTORU, Bianca MUŞAT, Camelia BRATU, Florin BURLAN, Viorica LAGUNOVSCHI-LUCHIAN
The Cucurbitaceae gourd family consists of more than 900 species.The plants of this family consist of several edible fruits used in medicine or in different food recipes. The other parts of the plants (steam, leaves, flowers and seeds) can be used in the treatment of different symptoms such as headache, rhinits, fever, anemia, inflamations or poisoning. Cucurbits are rich in carotenoids, saponins, phytochemicals and vitamins.Momordica charantia can be used in the treatment of diabetes, ulcers or liver diseases.Cucumis sativus seeds can help to lower the cholesterol, while the fruits can reduce swelling and burns.Cucumis metuliferus is a great source of anti-oxidants protecting the organism of the cellular damaging caused by the oxidative stress, reducing inflammations and preventing heart diseases.Different parts of Luffa cylindrica can be used in treatment of snake bites, chronic bronchitis, nasal swelling and used in China for anthelmintic and stomachic purposes.This review evaluates the current literature about medicinals and chemical properties of some plants of the Cucurbitaceae family in addition to their positive effects on human health.
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