ash gourd
Benincasa hispida
Benincasa hispida, commonly known as wax gourd or winter melon, is a traditional plant used primarily for culinary purposes in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. While its use in traditional medicine is not well-documented, research has explored various aspects of the plant's potential benefits. Scientific studies have shown that fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCU001557 can enhance the antioxidant properties and alter the chemical composition of Benincasa hispida juice. Additionally, melatonin treatments have been found to improve magnesium accumulation and photosynthetic efficiency in wax gourd seedlings under magnesium deficiency conditions, potentially offering some protective benefits. The water extract of the plant has demonstrated moderate lipase inhibitory activity similar to orlistat, suggesting potential applications in managing lipid metabolism. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been reported for Benincasa hispida.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCU001557 increased the antioxidant capacity and altered the volatile and nonvolatile compound profiles of Benincasa hispida juice.
- Melatonin treatments enhanced magnesium accumulation and photosynthetic efficiency, mitigating chlorosis in wax gourd seedlings under magnesium deficiency.
- The water extract of Benincasa hispida had moderate lipase inhibitory activity compared to orlistat.
- Mild strains of Zucchini tigre mosaic virus were generated, providing partial to complete cross-protection in specific cucurbit plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is ash gourd?
ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about ash gourd?
4 sourced findings are recorded for ash gourd; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCU001557 increased the antioxidant capacity and altered the volatile and nonvolatile compound profiles of Benincasa hispida juice.
How strong is the evidence for ash gourd?
The strongest finding for ash gourd carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is ash gourd safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for ash gourd in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does ash gourd interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for ash gourd in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of ash gourd?
ash gourd is also known as: Восковая тыква, courge cireuse.
Is ash gourd a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Melatonin mitigates magnesium deficiency-induced chlorosis through enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant capacity in wax gourd (Benincasa hispida). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Generation of Zucchini Tigre Mosaic Virus Mild Strains for Application in Cross-Protection. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activities of dietary plant foods. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCU001557 Fermentation on the Physicochemical Properties, Bioactivity, Volatile, and Nonvolatile Compounds of Benincasa hispida (Winter Melon) Juice. literature abstract metadata