Medicinal uses of Citrullus colocynthis from the Perspective of Iranian traditional medicine

Background and Objective: Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) is belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The fruit, root and leaves have been used traditionally for medicinal and culinary aims. So we decided to review its uses in Iranian traditional medicine. Search Method: In this review research we collected the relevant information to C. colocynthis from the famous Iranian traditional medicine references including The Canon of Medicine, Makhzan Al Advieh, Riaz-o Al Advieh, Al-Abnieh an Haghaiegh Al-Advieh, Ekhtiarate Badiei and Kitab al-saydala fi al-tibb. Findings: C. colocynthis has hot and dry temperament. The leaves reported to be helpful in the treatment of swelling and Nose bleeding. Its fruit is helpful with joint pain, hemorrhoids, and the spleen and bladder disorders. Also, the fruit was used topically in the treatment of Varicose. Despite its useful uses, some toxic effects has been associated with the use of its fruit. Conclusion: In general C. colocynthis is helpful in some systemic diseases. Use of C. colocynthis is suggested in the patients with joint and spleen problems. It is suggested that the safe dose of C. colocynthis be investigated in the future studies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Iranian traditional medicine ، C. colocynthis ، Cucurbitaceae