externally for lumbago, ulceration, fracture of bone. Seed—bechic, aperient, emmenagogue, antiinflammatory, deobstruent. (Used for obstructions of liver and spleen).
The tuberous root contains saponins belonging to the pentacyclic tnterpene glycoside series. Seeds contain momordica saponins I and II (ester glycosides of gypsogenin and quillaic acid respectively), the diterpenoid columbin, oleanolic acid, its derivative momordic acid and bessisterol.
The seeds contain the glycoprotein, momorcochin 5, which exhibits RNA N-glycosidase activity.
Momordica dioica Roxb. exWilld.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, up to 1,500 m in the Himalaya.
English Small Bitter Gourd, Bur Cucumber.
Ayurvedic Karkotikaa, Karkotikaavandhyaa, Karkotaka, Karkota.
Siddha/Tamil Tholoo-pavai, Paluppakai, Kaattupaagala.
Folk Jangali Karelaa, Ban-Karelaa, Bhat- Karelaa, Dhar-Karelaa.
Action Tuberous root—astringent, febrifuge, antiseptic, anthelmintic, spermicidal. Used in bleeding piles, urinary affections; smeared over
body in high fever with delirium (as a sedative). A paste, prepared with the root of male plant, is applied
externally for pain in the breast.
The root extract exhibited significant anti-allergic activity comparable with standard drugs used against allergy and bronchial asthma (in experimental animals).
Momordica tuberosa
(Roxb.) Cogn.
Synonym M. cymbalaria Fenzl ex Naud.
Family Cucurbitaceae.
Habitat Maharashtra and Tamil
Nadu, in bushes along the banks of
water courses. (It is not cultivated.)
Ayurvedic Kaarali-Kanda, Kuduhunchi.
Siddha/Tamil Athalaikai
Folk Kakrol (Maharashtra).
Action Tuberous root—emmenagogue, abortifacient; acrid; contains a bitter glycoside.
Monochoria vaginalis Presl.
Family Pontederiaceae.
