Biological Activities of Trichosanthes dioica: Phytopharmacological Evaluation of a Cucurbit Plant

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) (Pointed gourd), locally known as Patal, is a widely consumed summer cucurbit vegetable in Bangladesh. Traditionally this plant is used as a febrifuge and tonic in liver enlargement and jaundice. It is also used in gastrointestinal disorders in alternative medicine. In order to justify and authenticate traditional uses of this plant the present study was undertaken to examine the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antidiarrhoeal activities of four solvent extracts (pet ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) of the aerial parts of T. dioica. The results of the present study reveal that the plant possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiarrhoeal properties.