An Overview on the Ethnobotany of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (Egusi Melon)

Onobo I. Y., Abdulazeez B. O., Isah J. O., Aiyegbusi M. A., Musa N.

Abstract


Over the years, plants have been used medicinally in the treatment of various ailments with the sole aim to improve health and wellness. Lately, the consumption of synthetic drugs has increased; which further cause side effects and adversely affect health of the population. It is against this backdrop that this comprehensive review was aimed at evaluating the published information on the ethnobotanical knowledge, Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Citrullus colocynthis. A number of bioactive compounds are present in C. colocynthis which are grouped as cucurbitacin, essential oils, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids and carbohydrates. These compounds contributes greatly to its antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review discloses the plant significant potential for Nutritional and pharmacological applications. However, further investigations are required to explore the utility of such fruit crop particularly its potential therapeutic uses on respiratory systems for further improvement in health of individuals.


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References


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