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

Dina M. El-Kersh, The British University in EgyptFollow
Muhammad Torequl Islam,, Department of Pharmacy, Life Science Faculty, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Dhaka, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh
Cristina Quispe,, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique, 1110939, Chile
Manik Chandra Shill,, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka Bashundhara, 1229, Bangladesh
Kanchan Bhardwaj,, Department of Botany, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, H. P., Solan, 173229, India
Prerna Bhardwaj,, Department of Botany, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, H. P., Solan, 173229, India
Javad Sharifi-Rad,, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
Miquel Martorell,, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, Concepción, 4070386, Chile
Rajib Hossain,, Department of Pharmacy, Life Science Faculty, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Dhaka, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh
Ahmed Al-Harrasi,, Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Birkat Almouz, 616, Oman
Ahmed Al-Rawahi,, Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Birkat Almouz, 616, Oman
Monica Butnariu,, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119 Timis, 300645, Romania

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

2021

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. © 2021 Muhammad Torequl Islam et al.

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