A Review on Phytochemical Studies and Biological Potential of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae)

Abstract

Cucurbits are edible crops found in the Cucurbitaceae family. Interest in plant-based biological compounds has now awakened throughout the world and hence the literature data in this area is significant. The Cucurbitaceae family is distributed in the tropical and subtropical countries. The plants of this family are superb fruit crops rich in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that very good for health. A number of plants belonging to this family have been reported so far and one among them is Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. All the parts of this plant (root, stem, leaf, fruits, and seeds) are utilized in the traditional system of medicine. A plethora of research is going on this plant species to discover new active moiety and to establish their medicinal importance. The present review gives updated information about the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. established so far. As per the research so far among different cucurbitacins, cucurbitacin E is known to be found profoundly in Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Some of the biological activities reported for this plant include antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-hyperlipidemic activity, analgesic activity, anti-ulcer activity, anticonvulsant activity and insecticidal activity.