Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is also known as Colocynthis vulgaris Schrad, Cucumis colocynthis Linn. belongs to Cucurbitaceae family.

The Arabic name for this herb is Hanzal.

The English name for this herb is Colocynth.

The Urdu names for this herb are Hanzal, Indrayan, Kharpaza Talkh, Kulkushta, Toh, Tumma.

Warning: It is a well-known abortifacient, therefore must not be prescribed in pregnancy(all stages)or in irritable conditions of the intestinal canal.It is not a toxic creeping herb but it has cathartic action and if dried peeled fruit is taken in large amounts death may occur due to cathartic action and loss of water and electrolytes.

Description

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.. Perennial rooted, diffuse large creeping herb, with deeply dissected tabulate leaves,flowers yellow, monoecious, all solitary about 2. cm across, Iruit rounded 7-9 cm in diameter, green and white striped, smooth

Pharmacological Actions

The pharmacological actions of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. are Abortive, Ecbolic, Emmenagogue, Hydragogue Cathartic, Irritant.

The pharmacological actions of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Epicarp of Fruit are Anti-dropsical, Drastic Purgative, Resolvent.

The pharmacological actions of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Root powder are Anthelmintic, Anti-rheumatic, Insecticide.

Indications

The indications of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Dried Pulp are Paralysis, Asthma, Facial Paralysis, Cerebral Congestion, Hepatic Congestion, Visceral Congestion, Epilepsy, Malhumors.

The indications of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Epicarp of Fruit are Intestinal Disorders, Constipation, Fever, Biliousness.

The indications of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Root powder are Jaundice, Ascites, Amenorrhoea, Rheumatism, Urinary Disorders.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Temperament

The temperament of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is 3rd order, warm and dry.

Occurrence, Taste & Odor

Odor: The odor of Epicarp of Fruit of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is Nauseant.

Taste: Epicarp of Fruit: Bitter.

Dosage

Part	Dose	Instructions
Whole Herb	1.000 – 2.000 g	N/A
Epicarp of Fruit	0.000 – 0.000 -	N/A

Available Brands

Habb-e-Banafsha KhasAshraf laboratories (Pvt) Ltd.

Compound Preparations

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is used in the preparation of Hab-Ayaraj, Itrifal Deedan.

Substitutes

The substitutes of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. are Aloe barbadensis Mill. [It should be used as cathartic.], Cassia fistula Linn. [It should be used as purgative.], Embelia ribes Brum. [It should be used as insecticide.].

Active Constituents

The active constituents of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Flowers are Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Fructose, Glucose.

The active constituents of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Fruit are Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Cucurbitacin E-2 Glucoside, Cucurbitacin I.

The active constituents of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Fruit(pulp) are Citrullol, Colocynthin, Colocynthitin, Dihydroelatericin B, Elatericin B.

The active constituents of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Leaves are Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Cucurbitacin E-2 Glucoside, Cucurbitacin I.

The active constituents of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Root are Alpha-Elaterin, Hentriacontane, Saponins.

The active constituent of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.'s Seeds is Phytosterols.

Antidotes

The antidotes of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. are Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston, Prunus amygdalus Batsch. (Oil).

Toxicity

Currently no Toxicity information is available for Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.. (work in progress)