A Literature-Based Update on Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. Traditional Uses, Nutraceutical, and Phytopharmacological Profiles

  • Muhammad Torequl Islam
  • , Cristina Quispe
  • , Dina M. El-Kersh
  • , Manik Chandra Shill
  • , Kanchan Bhardwaj
  • , Prerna Bhardwaj
  • , Javad Sharifi-Rad
  • , Miquel Martorell
  • , Rajib Hossain
  • , Ahmed Al-Harrasi
  • , Ahmed Al-Rawahi
  • , Monica Butnariu
  • , Lia Sanda Rotariu
  • , Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria
  • , Yasaman Taheri
  • , Anca Oana Docea
  • , Daniela Calina
  • , William C. Cho

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual climbing plant, native to Asia with multiple therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. This updated review is aimed at discussing the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological properties, and molecular mechanisms highlighted in preclinical experimental studies and toxicological safety to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this genus. The literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Science Direct, and database was analyzed using the basic keyword "Benincasa hispida."Other searching strategies, including online resources, books, and journals, were used. The taxonomy of the plant has been made by consulting "The Plant List". The results showed that B. hispida has been used in traditional medicine to treat neurological diseases, kidney disease, fever, and cough accompanied by thick mucus and to fight intestinal worms. The main bioactive compounds contained in Benincasa hispida have cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Further safety and efficacy investigations are needed to confirm these beneficial therapeutic effects and also future human clinical studies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number6349041
JournalOxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Volume2021
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

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