A REVIEW ON EXPLORING THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF BENINCASA HISPIDA

Josna Priya Lewis* and Ashoka Shenoy M.

ABSTRACT

Benincasa hispida (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as ash gourd or winter melon, is a plant with significant medicinal and nutritional value. This review explores its botanical characteristics, traditional uses, and phytochemical composition. It is a rich source of bioactive compounds that include phenols, triterpenes, sterols, and glycosides, present in different parts such as fruit, leaves, roots, seeds, and peels. In Ayurveda, Benincasa hispida is known to treat several ailments such as diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Its pharmacological properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, anxiolytic, antihypertensive, and nephroprotective activities. Moreover, shows potential in managing obesity and diabetes respectively. Furthermore, the plant's seeds offer prebiotic effects, contributing to gut health, while its peel extracts have skin whitening and anti-aging properties. This comprehensive review highlights the therapeutic potential of Benincasa hispida, emphasizing its significance in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.

Keywords: Benincasa hispida, Cucurbitaceae, Phytochemical composition, Traditional uses, Antioxidant.