Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.: A Promising Pharmaceutical Resource for Multiple Diseases

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) is widely distributed in the desert areas of the world. The fruit bodies of C. colocynthis are recognized for their wide range of nutraceutical potential, as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical uses. The plant has been reported for various uses, such as asthma, bronchitis, cancer, colic, common cold, cough, diabetes, dysentery, and jaundice. The fruit has been extensively studied for its biological activities, which include insecticide, antitumor, and antidiabetic effects. Numerous bioactive compounds have been reported in its fruit bodies, such as essential oils, fatty acids, glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Of these, flavonoids or caffeic acid derivatives are the constituents associated with the inhibition of fungal or bacterial growth, whereas eudesmane sesquiterpenes or sesquiterpene lactones are most active against insects, mites, and nematodes. In this review, the scientific evidence for the biological activity of C. colocynthis against insecticide, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic effects is summarized.

Automated summary

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) is a plant widely found in desert areas around the world. Its fruit bodies are known for their potential as nutraceuticals, as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical uses. The plant has been used for various purposes, including treating asthma, bronchitis, cancer, colic, common cold, cough, diabetes, dysentery, and jaundice. The fruit has been extensively studied for its biological activities, including insecticidal, antitumor, and antidiabetic effects, and contains various bioactive compounds such as essential oils, fatty acids, glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids. This review summarizes the scientific evidence for the insecticidal, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic effects of C. colocynthis.