Abstract

OVERVIEW OF CUCURBITA FICIFOLIA: TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

*Ambika Alreddy, Mamatha G. C., Subhadip Ghosh, Syeda Zaiba, Varsha A. H., Raghu H. R. and Soumyadeep Mal

ABSTRACT

Cucurbita ficifolia, is a versatile plant with significant pharmacological potential. It also called as "chilacayote" because of the variety of uses for its fruit. Reviewing numerous investigations conducted in a variety of pharmacological domains, this review outlines the wide range of bioactivities it possesses. The plant rich in 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, vanillic acid, 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid. These include anti-diabetic, antilipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer. Promising results Nevertheless, the majority of research is still preclinical, requiring more clinical validation for therapeutic uses involving humans. To create pharmaceuticals based on Cucurbita ficifolia, standardizing extraction techniques and identifying active components are essential steps.

Keywords: Cucurbita ficifolia, Botanical, Traditional uses, Chemical constituents, Pharmacological activity.