poisonous!
Cucurbitaceae – Cucurbitaceae.
Common name: bitter apple.
Pharmacy name: colocynth fruits (peeled) – Colocynthidis fructus (formerly: Fructus Colocynthidis).
Botanical description. Herbaceous plant with recumbent pubescent stems and long-leaved leaves. Outwardly, it resembles a pumpkin with golden-yellow fruits the size of an apple. It grows in the steppes and deserts of the tropics of North Africa, in the steppe regions of Western Asia, in Arabia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Active ingredients: cucurbitacin glycoside (this substance is probably carcinogenic); substances that have a sharp laxative effect; essential oil, resin, fatty oil and a number of other substances.
Application. In the form of homeopathic products (Colocynthis) it is used for stomach cramps and spasms. Allopathic use is due to laxative properties, however, due to side effects, it is not recommended.
Very poisonous!
Cucurbitaceae – Cucurbitaceae.
Common name: bitter apple.
Pharmacy name: colocynth fruits (peeled) – Colocynthidis fructus (formerly: Fructus Colocynthidis).
Botanical description. Herbaceous plant with recumbent pubescent stems and long-leaved leaves. Outwardly, it resembles a pumpkin with golden-yellow fruits the size of an apple. It grows in the steppes and deserts of the tropics of North Africa, in the steppe regions of Western Asia, in Arabia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Active ingredients: cucurbitacin glycoside (this substance is probably carcinogenic); substances that have a sharp laxative effect; essential oil, resin, fatty oil and a number of other substances.
Application. In the form of homeopathic products (Colocynthis) it is used for stomach cramps and spasms. Allopathic use is due to laxative properties, however, due to side effects, it is not recommended.