Coccinia grandis, the ivy gourd, also known as baby watermelon, little gourd, gentleman's toes, tindora or sometimes inaccurately identified as gherkin, is a tropical vine. It is also known as Cephalandra indica and Coccinia indica.
Coccinia indica (synonym Coccinia cordifolia), an herb growing abundantly in India, has been used in traditional treatment of diabetes. However, carefully controlled studies of its efficacy are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Coccinia cordifolia on blood glucose levels of incident type 2 diabetic patients requiring only dietary or lifestyle modifications.
In traditional medicine, fruits have been used to treat leprosy, fever, asthma, bronchitis and jaundice. The fruit possesses mast cell stabilizing, anti-anaphylactic and antihistaminic potential.In Bangladesh, the roots are used to treat osteoarthritis and joint pain. A paste made of leaves is applied to the skin to treat scabies.
Ivy gourd extracts and other forms of the plant can be purchased online and in health food stores. It is claimed that these products help regulate blood sugar levels. There is some research to support that compounds in the plant inhibit the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase.Glucose-6-phosphatase is one of the key liver enzymes involved in regulating sugar metabolism. Therefore, ivy gourd is sometimes recommended for diabetic patients. Although these claims have not been supported, there currently is a fair amount of research focused on the medicinal properties of this plant focusing on its use as an antioxidant, anti-hypoglycemic agent, immune system modulator, etc. Some countries in Asia like Thailand prepare traditional tonic like drinks for medicinal purposes.
Ivy gourd is a plant. The leaves, root, and fruit are used to make medicine.
People take ivy gourd for diabetes, gonorrhea, and constipation.
Some people apply ivy gourd leaves directly to the skin for wounds.
Ivy gourd fruit and leaves are used as a vegetable in India and other Asian countries.
