UdyaanIITJ - bitter apple

Scientific Data

Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as bitter apple or wild gourd, is a desert plant that is found in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes other important plants such as pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons.
The active compounds in Citrullus colocynthis include cucurbitacins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, among others.

The bitter apple plant, also known as Citrullus colocynthis, exhibits a distinct physical appearance.
It is a perennial vine that can grow up to 3 meters in length.
The plant possesses deeply lobed leaves with rough, hairy surfaces and a vibrant green color.
It bears small, yellowish flowers that are solitary or occur in clusters.
The fruits of the bitter apple plant are round, approximately the size of an orange, with a thick, leathery skin covered in bumps and ridges.
These fruits ripen to a yellowish-orange hue and contain a bitter, pungent pulp.
Overall, the bitter apple plant showcases a robust and tenacious presence with its unique leaf structure, vibrant flowers, and textured fruit.

Despite its potential therapeutic benefits, Citrullus colocynthis can be toxic when consumed in large quantities.
The plant contains cucurbitacins, which are bitter and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In extreme cases, the plant can cause serious health problems such as dehydration, kidney damage, and even death.
For this reason, it is important to use Citrullus colocynthis with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease, should avoid using Citrullus colocynthis.

The plant has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a treatment for digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and dyspepsia.
It is also used as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and has been studied for its potential anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.
The compounds found in Bitter Apple have been shown to have various therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities.

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