Abstract
Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn., commonly known as snake gourd, is a climbing plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally, it has been valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, with various parts such as the leaves, fruits, seeds, and roots used in folk medicine to address ailments like fever, inflammation, digestive disorders, diabetes, and respiratory problems. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and triterpenoids, which are responsible for its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities such as antioxidants, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. In addition, its low caloric value and high nutrient density make it suitable as a functional food. This review discusses the plant’s botanical characteristics, phytochemical profile, and pharmacological actions, along with its therapeutic potential and industrial relevance in both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical domains. The study is based on a detailed analysis of information gathered from scientific literature, ethnopharmacological records, and published research data. The significance of this work lies in recognizing the untapped medicinal potential of T. cucumerina, which, despite its widespread availability and traditional use, remains underexploited. Integrating ethnomedicinal knowledge with modern pharmacological validation can lead to the development of affordable, plant-based therapeutic alternatives. The rationale compiling this review is to consolidate and interpret available data, serving as a resource base for future experimental research, clinical testing, and the formulation of effective herbal products or health-promoting dietary supplements using this versatile plant. The main objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of T. cucumerina by evaluating its botanical description, phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic relevance, thereby supporting its potential utilization in modern herbal medicine and functional food development.
doi: 10.17756/jfcn.2025-s2-010
Citation: Shinde T, Savalia V. 2025. Bioactive Compounds in Trichosanthes cucumerina, Their Bioactivities, and Associated Health Benefits: A Review. J Food Chem Nanotechnol 11(S2): S99-S106.
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