2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43
Colocynth
Useful properties and application of colocynth
Colocynth description
The colocynth is an unusual creeping plant with a fleshy thick root. Such a rough perennial has relatively thin angularly grooved stems, the diameter of which does not exceed 3 mm. The length of the outstretched, highly branched stems of the stiff-haired type is approximately one and a half meters. The sizes of the next petiolate leaves vary from 5 to 12 cm.
They are dark green on top and ash gray on the bottom. On both sides, each leafy, deeply pinnate-separate plate is pubescent with glandular simple hairs. Several notched lobes can be found on the leaves. All terminal lobes are strongly elongated. The length of leaf petioles ranges from 1 to 5 cm. Such a monoecious plant boasts beautiful single flowers located on short, heavily pubescent pedicels. The rounded-elliptical pistil has a three-celled shape and a pubescent ovary.
The perianth has an agglomerate appearance, and the pubescent five-lobed calyx has a lanceolinear pointed shape. The yellow five-part corolla is endowed with obtuse ovoid lobes. All staminate flowers are located at the bottom of a small stem. They have 5 stamens, four of which have grown in pairs. In addition, sinuous anthers can be noted. Amazing pistillate flowers visible at the top of the slender stem have three staminodes and one small pistil.
The pubescent naked colocynth fruit at the very beginning has a light green tint. With further maturation, it turns yellow. The spherical polyspermous fruit reaches 10 cm in diameter. It has a thin leathery outer part of the pericarp. As a rule, the spongy, bitter flesh of the fruit itself is slightly yellowish or almost white. When dry, it is somewhat spongy and easily breaks down into three parts.
The oblong-ovoid seeds are always smooth and flat. Their length does not exceed 7 mm. The shade of the seeds can range from greenish yellow to dark brown. This plant usually blooms in August and September, and the colocynth bears fruit not earlier than September. North Africa is considered his homeland. Today, the plant can be found in India, Turkmenistan and Western Asia. It prefers sandy dry steppes and semi-deserts. Easily bred in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Reproduction is carried out only by seeds.
Useful properties of colocynth
The main active ingredient of coloncint is cucurbitacin glycoside. Such a substance is considered carcinogenic. Resins, essential oils, fatty oils and other equally healing microelements have a powerful laxative effect on the human body. The fruits of the plant contain a-spinosterol, a-elaterin, phytosteroline citrullol, as well as glucoside colocyntin and essential oil. Seeds contain more than 23% fatty oil.
The roots are rich in alkaloids and glycosides, saponins and resins, as well as a-elaterin, the hydrocarbon gentriacontan and the glycoside cucurbitacin. In medicine, the fruits of the plant are often used. An excellent homeopathic remedy based on coloninth is of great importance. This multicomponent medicine has excellent anti-inflammatory and choleretic effects, and also boasts an antispasmodic effect.
Due to the optimal combination of various components, the drug has a laxative effect. In addition, these homeopathic granules are an excellent hepatic stimulant. This effect of the fruit is primarily due to the contained glycosides.
Colocynth application
Various colocynth products are indicated as mild laxatives. All kinds of pills, powders, tinctures and extracts are used, which are rich in healing microelements. Special homeopathic granules are prescribed mainly for severe stomach cramps and colic. They are also indicated for chronic gastroduodenitis, gastritis and non-ulcer functional dyspepsia. In the form of a hepatic stimulant, it is recommended to use special colocynth powders.
It should also be mentioned that the allopathic use of the plant is due to its incomparable laxative properties. For self-preparation of the drug, it is recommended to collect ripe fruits, which should then be well peeled from the yellow peel and dried thoroughly. Such dried peeled fruits will become very light, and their diameter will not exceed 8 cm.
Colocynth contraindications
In fairly large doses, all kinds of colocynth preparations cause nephritis and cystitis. In addition, various allergic reactions are also possible. During pregnancy, the use of funds based on this plant is possible only if the potential risk to the fetus is less than the expected benefit for the mother of the baby. For children under the age of 12, various agents are contraindicated. People with diabetes should take any colocynth medications under strict medical supervision.
Side effects can include acute pain in the intestines and severe inflammation. In the event of side effects, it is recommended to stop treatment with drugs immediately.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
