Coloquine comes from the cucurbit family. The poisonous plant is used as a remedy in some regions of the world.
Occurrence and cultivation of the coloquine
One problem of coloquine is the toxicity of the plant. Thus, it is not suitable for eating or for medicinal self-treatment. Coloquine (Citrullus colocynthis) is a plant that comes from the cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae). The plant is also known by several other names. These include coloquent gourd, devil’s apple, purgier gourd, wild gourd, bitter gourd or goat gourd. In earlier times, physicians such as Hippocrates of Kos (c. 460-370 BC) and Paracelsus (1493-1541) used the coloquine as a medicinal plant against various ailments and diseases. In modern times, it is still used in folk medicine of Southwest Asia and North Africa, as well as in homeopathy. In Andalusia, Spain, farmers also use it as a fertilizer. In 2012, the NHV Theophrastus association named coloquine the medicinal plant of the year. In this way, the association, which serves to promote naturopathy, wanted to help the plant, which has been forgotten in this country, to become better known again. Thus the Koloquinte was already used in the antiquity of the old Greeks and Romans as Abführmittel. For this purpose, they hollowed out a coloquine apple, filled it with wine and drank it after it had warmed up. But the coloquine was also used in the Orient as a remedy for cramps and paralysis. The coloquine belongs to the perennial cucurbits. The herbaceous plant is equipped with tubers and thrives climbing or prostrate. Its height of growth is about 10 centimeters. The stalked leaves of the plant can reach a length as well as a width of 3 to 9 centimeters. The flowers of the coloquine usually have a yellow coloration. The flowering period occurs between May and September. The fruit of the coloquine is a fleshy carapace berry that takes on a yellow, white or green coloration. The fruit averages 25 to 70 centimeters long and 25 to 80 centimeters wide. Only rarely does it reach 120 millimeters in length and width. The coloquine is native to Southwest Asia and North Africa. Furthermore, it also grows in the subtropical and tropical regions of Southern Europe, Central Africa, India and Australia. The plant grows primarily in the lowlands of rivers, on their banks or along the edges of roads. Coloquine can thrive up to 1200 meters above sea level. It even grows in semi-deserts, steppes and wadis.
Effect and application
Even in modern times, the coloquine is used as a medicinal plant in Africa, India, as well as in the Mediterranean region. For this purpose, the dried pulp of the plant is administered to patients. The pulp has similarities with the well-known watermelon, but has an unpleasant bitter taste. A problem of the coloquine is the toxicity of the plant. Thus, it is not suitable for eating or for medicinal self-treatment. Toxic are the cucurbitacins, the bitter substances of the coloquine. The highest content of cucurbitacins is found in coloquines grown in the south of Morocco. Consumption of the plant poses a risk of bloody diarrhea and irritation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal region. Even delirium as well as circulatory collapse are within the realm of possibility. Pregnant women are even threatened with miscarriage. Other conceivable health risks include ulcers, urinary bladder inflammation, inflammation of the peritoneum, and kidney bleeding. However, such cases occur very rarely, because the pulp of the coloquine tastes exceedingly bitter. For this reason, most people automatically refrain from eating this plant. In principle, however, the coloquine is considered a very effective remedy. In order to achieve a positive effect, it requires a professional prescription as well as proper dosage. The curative effect is achieved by the cucurbitacins, and the right dose is of crucial importance. Dried and peeled fruits can also be preserved in alcohol. However, they should be taken only in small doses.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
In the present day, coloquine is hardly used as a laxative or diuretic. However, folk medicine attributes to it other beneficial properties.Thus, it is considered anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and liver protective. It is also effective against worm infestation, skin rashes, and gall and liver disorders. Other applications of coloquine are bronchitis, bronchial asthma, ulcers, anemia, dyspepsia, constipation and jaundice (icterus). Even against snakebites, rheumatism, dropsy, bladder dysfunction and tumors the plant is said to be helpful. However, scientific research on the actual medicinal efficacy of coloquine has not yet been completed. Another field of application of coloquine is homeopathy. This uses it as a highly diluted remedy for women’s ailments. Thus, the herbaceous plant stimulates a decongestive effect in the uterus as well as in the pelvis and intestines. In addition, it is used for the treatment of unpleasant period pains. This applies primarily to pains that occur in flashes and cuts. Another possible application is the PCO syndrome. In this case, coloquine is used together with other cyst remedies to counteract the progression of the disease. Furthermore, the plant stimulates the function of the ovaries. It is not advisable to take coloquine in case of diarrhea. Women must also refrain from taking the remedy during pregnancy or lactation. Thus, there is a risk of transferring the toxic substances to the mother’s milk and thus to the child.
