Ivy gourd Coccinia grandis


  • Common Names
  • Ivy gourd
  • Botanical Name
  • Coccinia grandis
  • Family
  • CUCURBITACEAE
Share

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Ivy Gourd

remedyHow to Use| Side Effects |

How to Use: Ivy gourd


Ivy gourd is used in Ayurvedic medicine and Asian cuisine in a very similar manner to that of bitter melon. This very adaptable plant has been introduced to Hawaii as a food crop where it has become an invasive species. The plant has a potential hypoglycemic action in patients with mild diabetes. 1

Preparation Methods & Dosage :The gourd is used in cooking and the dried leaves are sold in supplements.


Ivy gourd Side Effects: Very invasive species. Keep tightly controlled if planted. No adverse side effects from using as a food source are noted. This herb is not well studied.

^ Top^

Regional Traditions :Ayurvedic *


History and Traditions & Folklore


References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Karel R. "Ten herbs for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes". J Am Herbalists Guild. 2009;8(2): 53-63. American Botanical Council HerbalGram
    Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat glycosuria. Although not well studied, its active compounds are reported to mimic the action of insulin and may suppress the activity of certain enzymes involved in glucose production. Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial suggest that ivy gourd extract has a potential hypoglycemic action in patients with mild diabetes