Description
WILD SNAKE GOURD(Trichosanthes lobata)
Kattupadavalam, a variety of Trichosanthes cucumerina (snake gourd), that grows naturally in the forest is in demand in ayurvedic medicines. Plant pacifies vitiated tridosha, skin diseases, ulcers, constipation, stomach pain, anorexia, flatulence, hyperacidity, hemorrhoids, cough, fever and general debility.
The edible green fruit derives its name of snake gourd, due to its characteristic coiled appearance with light white stripes. It is commonly considered a vegetable, which is used in cooking a variety of staple Indian dishes such as kootu, curry, sabzi and dal.
In Asia, it is eaten immature as a vegetable much like the summer squash and in Africa, the reddish pulp of mature snake gourd is used as an economical substitute for tomato.
