Can you eat Citrullus colocynthis?
Citrullus colocynthis contains bioactive and often toxic compounds in all its parts, notably the fruit and leaves. The pulp contains cucurbitacins that give it a bitter taste and make it not only unpalatable for humans and animals, but in some cases toxic and even lethal, though there are edible sweet varieties. Citrullus colocynthis, a plant traditionally used for its purgative properties, is known for its severe toxicity when consumed in excessive amounts.Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) is a fruit that has been used since antiquity for several purposes. It’s most common use, as a cathartic, can lead to such complications as hemorrhagic colitis, hypoglycemia, transaminitis and acute interstitial nephritis.
What is the common name for Citrullus colocynthis?
Citrullus colocynthis, with many common names including colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, vine of Sodom, or wild gourd, is a poisonous desert viny plant native to the Mediterranean Basin and West Asia, especially the Levant, Turkey (especially in regions such as İzmir), and Nubia. Additional details. Other Names-Indrayan Phal – Indrain Fal – इंद्रायन फाल – Tumba – Indrayun – Bitter Apple – Citrullus Colocynthis – Ferfaidua Indrayan Fal refers to the dried fruit of the Indrayan plant (Citrullus colocynthis), also known as bitter apple or desert gourd.
What is Citrullus colocynthis used for?
Hussain et al. The plant is also used to treat diabetes, liver problems, weak bowel movements, and obstruction or paralysis of the intestine (Rahimi et al. Several studies on animals and humans have reported different side effects for C. Liver disorders, gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, painful cramp, and bloody diarrhea or even death particularly after its high dose application.Taking even small amounts of colocynth can cause severe stomach irritation, leading to bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and other serious side effects. When applied to the skin: Colocynth extract is possibly safe when used in a dilution of sesame oil for up to 3 months.