Coloquinte

Citrullus colocynthis · Colocynth

Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as bitter apple or bitter cucumber, is a plant native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. Traditionally, its use has not been extensively documented in any specific medical traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Citrullus colocynthis leaves exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines, indicating potential anti-cancer properties. Additionally, a study optimized hydroalcoholic extraction parameters for five African medicinal plants, including Citrullus colocynthis, which enhanced α-amylase inhibition and antioxidant activities. The plant has also been found to cause significant integument damage to the female tick H. dromedarii when immersed in 100 mg/mL of its ethanolic extract, suggesting potential use as a tick repellent or control agent. Three new species of Achromobacter were identified from Citrullus colocynthis and Peganum harmala, indicating the plant's role in expanding known bacterial diversity. No major safety issues have been recorded for this plant, nor are there any reported drug interactions at present.

En bref
Meilleure preuve
D
Précautions

Information uniquement. L'usage traditionnel ne signifie pas une efficacité prouvée. Les preuves et la sécurité varient — consultez les sources citées.

Ce que dit la science

  • L'étude a montré que les nanoparticules d'argent biosynthétisées à partir des feuilles de Citrullus colocynthis montrent une activité cytotoxique significative contre certaines lignées cellulaires cancéreuses. D PMID
  • L'étude a optimisé les paramètres d'extraction hydro-alcoolique pour cinq plantes médicinales africaines, en identifiant des conditions favorisant l'inhibition de l'amylase alpha et les activités antioxydantes. D PMID
  • L'étude a montré que l'immersion dans l'extrait éthanolique de Citrullus colocynthis a provoqué un dommage significatif à la peau du tique femelle Hyalomma dromedarii. D PMID
  • Trois nouvelles espèces d'Achromobacter ont été identifiées chez Citrullus colocynthis et Peganum harmala. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Coloquinte?

Coloquinte (Citrullus colocynthis) 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 Coloquinte?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Coloquinte; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: L'étude a montré que les nanoparticules d'argent biosynthétisées à partir des feuilles de Citrullus colocynthis montrent une activité cytotoxique significative contre certaines lignées cellulaires cancéreuses.

How strong is the evidence for Coloquinte?

The strongest finding for Coloquinte carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Coloquinte safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Coloquinte in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Coloquinte interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Coloquinte in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Coloquinte?

Coloquinte is also known as: Colocynth, Колоцинт.

Is Coloquinte 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

  1. T2 Optimizing Hydroalcoholic Extraction of African Medicinal Plants for Enhanced α-Amylase Inhibition and Functional Enrichment of Hypoglycemic Bread Doughs. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Histopathological effects of the fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis on the integument of the female tick Hyalomma dromedarii. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts from Citrullus colocynthis and their anticancer activity. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Genome-Resolved Delineation of Three Novel Endophytic Achromobacter Species from Desert Medicinal Plants. literature abstract metadata