Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour, commonly referred to as the Three-Lobed Snake Gourd, has been a staple in traditional medicine throughout its native Southeast Asia for centuries. This plant, part of the Cucurbitaceae family, is renowned for its bioactive compounds, which contributed to its extensive medicinal applications^1,2. The plant's name derives from the Greek words trichos for "hair" and Anthos for “flower”.

Most medicinal plants are sourced from the wild. However, unregulated harvesting has caused the extinction of many species and raised significant concerns about the effectiveness and quality of medicinal products made from these plants³. Plants are crucial to ecosystems, supporting all forms of biological life. They also have potential therapeutic roles, as seen in their use across all major medical systems. Trichosanthes is an example of such a plant species. These plants are particularly rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These species are significant in the Vedic and Siddha systems of medicine due to their therapeutic properties, which include anti-HIV, cardioprotective, anti-ulcer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and larvicidal activities^4,5.

Figure No. 1,2: Picture of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour

Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour has been traditionally used to treat asthma, migraines, fever, diabetes, and carbuncles. Many tropical countries, including those in Asia and Africa, grow it as a vegetable. It has also been documented from India to tropical Australia via Malaya. The Trichosanthes species, an introduced crop, is gaining significance in various African countries, particularly Ghana and Nigeria. The genus Trichosanthes consists of approximately 100 species, with several being cultivated in Asia. These diverse species are found throughout Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the tropical regions of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia⁶.

CLASSIFICATION:

The scientific classification of the plant species Trichosanthes tricuspidata, as described by the authority Lour., places it within the Kingdom Plantae and the Family Cucurbitaceae. This species belongs to the clade Tracheophytes and the clade Angiosperms. It is also known by several synonyms, including T. palmata Roxb. and T. bracteata Lamb.

In terms of vernacular classification, Trichosanthes tricuspidata is referred to by various names in different languages. In Hindi, it is called Mahakal or Lal Indrayan, while in Marathi, it is known as Kaundal. The Tamil names for this plant include Ankorattai and Korattai. In Malayalam, it is referred to as Kakkattonti, and in Telugu, it is known as Avaduta. The Kannada name for this species is Avaguda-hannu, and in Gujarati, it is called Ratanindrayan. Lastly, in Sanskrit, it is referred to as Kakanasa, Shvetpushpi, or Dhvamksanasa.

PLANT DISTRIBUTION:

Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour is a climbing vine that thrives at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 2300 meters. It is located in West Bengal and southern India (7), and its habitat stretches from the Eastern Himalayas and southern China to southern Japan, Malaysia, and tropical Australia (8). This species also has a broad distribution across Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, West Malaysia, and the eastern parts of the Moluccas (9).

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:

The Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour plant is a robust, arboraceous vine that can grow between 5 and 20 meters long. It is sometimes monoecious and has stems that are slightly hairy at first but become smooth as they mature. The plant is green when fresh but turns brown as it dries. Its flowers have white petals marked with distinct cystoliths.

The older parts of the stem are light grey, while the newer sections are smooth and green, and measure 2–4 mm in diameter. The probracts are either elliptic or obovate, and the rings can be 2 or 3-expanded. The leaves exhibit variability, being palmately lobed with 3-5 lobes, dull green on the top side, and glabrous underneath, with dim round organs on the lower surface. They are broadly ovate or round with a heart-shaped base, a triangular or ellipsoid mid-lobe, pointed tips, and coarsely jagged edges. The petioles measure 3-7.5cm in length.

Male flowers are arranged in racemes that are 7-16cm long, shaggy, with a peduncle that measures 5-11cm and contains 3-20 flowers along the rachis. The flowers are unisexual and found in axillary racemes, accompanied by bracts that are broadly applause, multi-veined, edged, and speckled with organs. Female flowers appear singly and are also axillary. The fruits are smooth and red when ripe, featuring 10 orange stripes, with a rough, smooth exocarp that becomes coarsely wrinkled as it dries. The fruit's flesh is dark green, while the fruiting pedicel measures between 1-2cm in length and 0.3-0.4cm in width. The seeds are numerous, dark brown, smooth, and come in either an obovate-elliptic or elongated shape, measuring 9-10mm by 5-6mm by 1.5-2mm. They lack a distinct edge and have either square or rounded, entire edges (10, 11, 12).

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS:

The medicinal properties of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour are primarily attributed to its rich phytochemical composition. Key bioactive compounds include:

Figure No. 3 Bioactive Compounds of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour

Table no 1: key features of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour Bioactive compounds:^13-18

Compounds	Reported Activities	References
Triterpenoids	Known for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties	13
Saponins	Have immune-boosting, anticancer, and cholesterol-lowering effects	14
Flavonoids	Exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities	15
Alkaloids	Possess various pharmacological effects including analgesic and antimicrobial properties	16
Polysaccharides	Known for their immunomodulatory and antitumor effects	17
Lectins	Proteins that can bind carbohydrates, with antitumor and immunomodulatory properties	18

TRADITIONAL USES:

In traditional medicine, various parts of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour are used for different purposes:

Table No. 2 Traditional Uses of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour^19-22

Parts	Uses	References
Roots	Used to treat fevers, digestive disorders, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.	19
Leaves	Applied topically to treat skin conditions and wounds.	20
Fruits	Consumed to alleviate gastrointestinal issues and as a general health tonic.	21
Seeds	Used in remedies for their purported anticancer and antidiabetic properties.	22

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES:

The paste of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour organic products is utilized as a characteristic solution for migraines, going about as a head salve. It is additionally compelling in decreasing macular enlarging and torment, treating different skin contaminations, alleviating tingling, and tending to contagious diseases on the feet that happen during winter seasons. Additionally, it helps eliminate head lice, clear dandruff, and treat mouth inflammation in domestic cattle²³. The root paste is applied externally to infected areas to treat gonorrhea,²⁴ while root juice is utilized to bring down glucose levels ²⁶. The seed powder is regulated to treat jaundice and is additionally joined with tantani and gulwel to improve its viability against jaundice²⁶. Lastly, warm seed oil from Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour is applied to turn white hair back to black²⁷.

PHARMACOLOGICAL USES:

Inflammation-reducing activity:

The Inflammation-reducing activity of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour ethanol extract has been extensively studied in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro studies have showed that the extract significantly reduces the release of nitric oxide and lowers the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-beta, and interleukin-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Moreover, the extract effectively inhibits the NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK2 signaling pathways by attacking the protein kinases Syk, Src, and IRAK1. In addition, the in vivo studies using a mouse model of HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis demonstrated that the ethanol extract also suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and the overall inflammatory response²⁸.

Anti-oxidant activity:

Research by Rodge et al. demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in the leaves and fruit of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. In their study, the fruit exhibited greater antioxidant activity compared to the leaves when extracted with chloroform²⁹. The root extract exhibited notably higher antioxidant activity compared to the control. Furthermore, the methanolic extract of T. tricuspidata leaves demonstrated strong antioxidant properties³⁰.

Anti-helmintic activity:

Ethnobotanically, Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour has been traditionally used by tribal communities to treat intestinal worm infections, and it has demonstrated strong anthelmintic activity in laboratory experiments. Dubey studied the anthelmintic effects of T. tricuspidata by using ethanol and water extracts of the plant's aerial parts. Both extracts demonstrated higher activity than the standard drug albendazole, with the ethanol extract proving more effective than the aqueous extract. The anthelmintic efficacy of both extracts was dose-dependent.³¹

Anti-diabetic activity:

Phytochemical research has revealed that Trichosanthes tricusata Lour contains a of bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, which contribute to its impressive anti-diabetic properties. The root extract of Trichosanthes tricuspidata has been found to exhibit both anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering effects. One study evaluated the anti-diabetic impact of the ethanolic extract derived from the root on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, measuring several biochemical indicators such as cholesterol, triglycerides, serum protein, SGPT, SGOT, and ALP levels. Alloxan-treated rats showed increased blood glucose levels compared to healthy controls. Yet, the oral intake of the ethanolic extract resulted in a notable decrease in blood glucose levels in the rats that received treatment³².

Larvicidal activity:

Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour goes about as a characteristic mosquito repellent and is powerful in killing mosquitoes, mice, and different nuisances. According to Sonwalkar et al., the fruit of T. tricuspidata exhibited larvicidal activity. Their study showed that methanol and petroleum ether extracts of the fruit resulted in significantly higher mortality rates compared to the control, with the methanolic extract being more effective as a larvicide than the petroleum ether extract.

Antibacterial and antifungal properties:

Tannins were found in all methanol-based extracts of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour in this investigation. Conversely, Tripathy et al. (2014) reported the presence of tannins only in the water extract from the fruit, and not in the methanol extract. Tannins are well-known for their antibacterial and antifungal capabilities, alongside their role in fighting infections and preventing cellular abnormalities³³.

Antipyretic properties:

In this study, all methanol-based extracts of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour contained tannins. However, Tripathy et al. (2014) detected tannins exclusively in the water extracts of the fruit, finding none in the methanol extract. Recognized historically for their antibacterial and antifungal effects, tannins are also acknowledged for their effectiveness against harmful organisms and irregularities in cell structures.

Anticonvulsant properties:

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that often lacks safer and more effective treatment options, leaving about one-third of patients inadequately controlled by existing medications. A study investigated the impact of Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour ethanolic extract on oxidative stress caused by epilepsy in mice treated with pilocarpine. In comparison to the control group, those given pilocarpine showed significantly higher levels of lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration in the hippocampus. Additionally, the pilocarpine-treated groups had lower levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. Nevertheless, the methanolic extract administration helped reduce oxidative damage in the hippocampus, as indicated by decreased lipid oxidative degradation and nitrite-nitrate concentrations, while also preserving antioxidant defenses. Histopathological examinations showed cell death in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal areas of the hippocampus, highlighting the involvement of free radicals in epilepsy. These results strongly suggest that TTME demonstrates anticonvulsant effects and potent antioxidant properties, which are vital for addressing oxidative stress linked to seizures³⁴.

Anticancer activity:

Cucurbitacins, a group of common triterpenoids within the Trichosanthes family, have been used in traditional medicine for many years^35-37. Recent research indicates that these triterpenoids hold promise as innovative drugs to inhibit cancer progression³⁸. Several cucurbitacins exhibit anticancer therapeutic effects. Cucurbitacin B, for example, activates the cell cycle in human breast cancer cells, whereas cucurbitacin E³⁶ hinders cell mobility in human prostate cancer cells and alters the structure of the cytoskeleton^39,40. Additionally, cucurbitacin D has been found to trigger apoptosis by reducing the activation of NF-κB and Stat3, leading to both apoptosis and autophagy in human lymphocyte leukemia cells while significantly reducing the viability of MCF7, SKBR3, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells^41,42. Trichosanthin, a 27-kDa protein obtained from T. kirilowii tubers, induces apoptosis and suppresses cancer cell growth in two different cell types and in nude mice⁴³.

Numerous studies have highlighted the cancer-fighting properties of Trichosanthes plants. For instance, an alcoholic extract of the root of T. dioica has shown both anticancer effects and the ability to reduce oxidative stress^44-46. A recent study successfully converted a highly toxic natural compound into potentially safer anticancer agents using a cell-degradable prodrug approach. Two bio reductive prodrugs, derived from compound 16, significantly lowered toxicity levels in noncancerous cells while maintaining their original anticancer properties. These prodrugs effectively released compound 16 in MCF-7 cells that overexpressed reductase, with prodrug 104 showing a considerable reduction in toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo tests, while also inhibiting tumor growth similarly to tamoxifen in the 4T1 xenograft mouse model⁴⁷.

Gastroprotective properties:

Kannan et al. evaluated the gastroprotective effects of various extracts from Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour leaves, including hexane, chloroform, ethanol, and water extracts, comparing them to a standard medication, ranitidine. The hexane extract showed significantly greater gastroprotective effectiveness than the other extracts.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS:

Future studies on Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour should target several essential areas to fully unlock its therapeutic potential. First, detailed pharmacokinetic research is needed to enhance the understanding of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of its bioactive compounds. Additional clinical trials are required to substantiate the traditional uses of the plant, especially for chronic issues such as diabetes, cancer, and inflammation. Investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of its pharmacological activities could facilitate the development of targeted therapies. Moreover, examining sustainable farming practices and the conservation of this species will help ensure its ongoing availability for medicinal applications.

CONCLUSION:

Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour, or the Three-Lobed Snake Gourd, is a traditional medicinal powerhouse of Southeast Asia, rooted in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Despite its relative obscurity outside its native regions, this Cucurbitaceae family member is a significant source of bioactive compounds like triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and lectins. These compounds endow the plant with impressive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties. Historically, various parts of T. tricuspidata have been used to treat an array of ailments, from fever and inflammation to more serious conditions like cancer and diabetes. Modern pharmacological studies have validated many of these traditional uses, revealing the plant's anti-tyrosinase, anthelmintic, larvicidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, and anticancer activities. Notably, its anti-cancer potential, attributed to cucurbitacins, and gastro-protective properties underscore its therapeutic versatility. As scientific research continues to unveil its myriad benefits, T. tricuspidata is poised to achieve global recognition for its remarkable medicinal properties.

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Received on 20.09.2024 Revised on 15.01.2025

Accepted on 05.04.2025 Published on 23.04.2025

Available online from April 26, 2025

Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 2025; 15(2):151-156.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5713.2025.00024

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