Angled Loofah (Luffa acutangula)
Overview
Angled loofah, also known as Chinese okra, is a vegetable commonly used in various cuisines and traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures. The plant is noted for its versatility and potential health benefits, thanks to its rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties.
Medicinal Activity
Angled loofah possesses several therapeutic activities, including:
• Abortifacient: Traditionally used to induce abortion; caution is advised in use.
• Antipyretic: Helps reduce fever, making it beneficial in febrile illnesses.
• Bitter: Stimulates appetite and aids digestion.
• Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissues, particularly in the digestive tract.
• Diuretic: Promotes urine production, aiding in detoxification and fluid balance.
• Emetic: Can induce vomiting, useful in certain medicinal contexts.
• Expectorant: Assists in expelling mucus from the respiratory system.
• Hypoglycemic: Helps lower blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetes management.
• Laxative: Encourages bowel movements, helping with constipation.
• Tonic: Enhances overall vitality and health.
• Vermifuge: Effective against intestinal worms.
• Abortifacient: Traditionally used to induce abortion; caution is advised in use.
• Antipyretic: Helps reduce fever, making it beneficial in febrile illnesses.
• Bitter: Stimulates appetite and aids digestion.
• Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissues, particularly in the digestive tract.
• Diuretic: Promotes urine production, aiding in detoxification and fluid balance.
• Emetic: Can induce vomiting, useful in certain medicinal contexts.
• Expectorant: Assists in expelling mucus from the respiratory system.
• Hypoglycemic: Helps lower blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetes management.
• Laxative: Encourages bowel movements, helping with constipation.
• Tonic: Enhances overall vitality and health.
• Vermifuge: Effective against intestinal worms.
Therapeutic Indication
Angled loofah is indicated for various conditions, including:
• Menstrual Disorders: Such as amenorrhea.
• Respiratory Issues: Including asthma and bronchosis.
• Digestive Disorders: Useful for dysentery, biliousness, and diarrhea.
• Skin Conditions: Effective for dermatosis and ringworm.
• Metabolic Disorders: Such as diabetes and jaundice.
• Infections: Including gonorrhea and leprosy.
• General Health: Beneficial for water retention and uremia.
• Menstrual Disorders: Such as amenorrhea.
• Respiratory Issues: Including asthma and bronchosis.
• Digestive Disorders: Useful for dysentery, biliousness, and diarrhea.
• Skin Conditions: Effective for dermatosis and ringworm.
• Metabolic Disorders: Such as diabetes and jaundice.
• Infections: Including gonorrhea and leprosy.
• General Health: Beneficial for water retention and uremia.
Prepration & Usage
The typical dosages for angled loofah include:
• Demulcent Use: 1.5–2 grams of seeds.
• Juice from Fruit: 5–10 grams.
• Infusion: 28–56 ml.
The LD50 for the 50% ethanolic extract is approximately 1000 mg/kg in mice, indicating a relatively low level of toxicity at therapeutic doses.
• Demulcent Use: 1.5–2 grams of seeds.
• Juice from Fruit: 5–10 grams.
• Infusion: 28–56 ml.
The LD50 for the 50% ethanolic extract is approximately 1000 mg/kg in mice, indicating a relatively low level of toxicity at therapeutic doses.