Colocynth

Useful properties and applications of Colocynth

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Description of Colocynth

Colocynth is an unusual decumbent plants with fleshy thick roots. This rough perennial has a relatively thin angularly grooved stems, whose diameter does not exceed 3 mm. Length prostrate, highly branched stems stiff type is approximately half a meter. The dimensions of the next petiolate leaves varies from 5 to 12 cm.

They have a dark green above and ashy-grey below. Both sides of each sheet globalpeace-separate plate pubescent, glandular simple hairs. Leaves can be detected several emarginate lobes. All target shares are highly elongated. Length of petioles is from 1 to 5 cm is a monoecious plant boasts beautiful single flowers arranged on selenoorganic short stalks. Round-elliptical pistil has a three-celled form and a pubescent ovary.

The perianth has troctolitic view, and pubescent calyx has five lobes lancetinae a pointed form. Yellow five-lobed Corolla is endowed with ovate obtuse lobes. All the staminate flowers are located at the bottom of a small stalk. They have 5 stamens, four of which are pairwise merged. In addition, it can be noted sinuous anthers. Amazing pistillate flowers rising above the top of the thin stem have three staminodes and one small pestle.

Pubescent bare the fruit of the Colocynth in the beginning has a light green tint. With further maturation it becomes yellow. Spherical-seeded fruit in diameter reaches 10 cm It has a thin leathery outer part of the pericarp. As a rule, spongy, bitter pulp of the fruit is slightly yellow or almost white. In dry form it is somewhat porous and easily falls into three parts.

Oblong-ovate seeds always smooth and flat. Their length does not exceed 7 mm. Shade the seeds can vary from greenish-yellow to dark brown. This plant usually blooms in August and September, and fruiting Colocynth until September. His homeland is North Africa. Today the plant can be found in India, Turkmenistan and Asia. It prefers sandy dry steppes and semi-deserts. Easily bred in the Caucasus and in Central Asia. Reproduction is by seeds only.

The beneficial properties of Colocynth

The main active substance of glycoside Colocynth is kukurbitatsin. The substance is consideredcarcinogenic. A powerful laxative effect on the human body have resin, essential oils, fatty oils and other healing minerals. The fruit of the plant contains a-spinasterol and-alateen, fitosteroli citrullo and colocynthin glucoside and an essential oil. In the seeds the fatty oil, higher than 23%.

The roots are rich in alkaloids and glycosides, saponins and resins, also has a-alterin, hydrocarbons, hentriacontane and glycoside kukurbitatsin. In medicine, often used by the fruit plants. Equally important is a wonderful homeopathic medicine based on Colentina. A multicomponent drug has excellent anti-inflammatory and choleretic effect, and can also boast of and antispasmodic action.

Through the optimal combination of various components, the drug has a laxative effect. In addition, these homeopathic pellets are a wonderful liver stimulant. This action of the fruit is due primarily to the contained glycosides.

The use of Colocynth

The various funds on the basis of Colocynth is shown as a mild laxatives. Used all kinds of pills, powders, tinctures and extracts that are rich in healing minerals. Special homeopathic pellets are assigned mainly to the strong of stomach cramps and colic. They have also shown with chronic gastroduodenitis, gastritis and non-ulcer functional dyspepsia. In the form of hepatic stimulator is recommended to apply special powder of Colocynth.

It should also be mentioned that allopathic use of the plant due to the incomparable purgative properties. To prepare medicines are recommended to collect the ripe fruit, which then should be well clear of the yellow peel and dry thoroughly. Such dried peeled fruit will be very light, and their diameter shall not exceed 8 cm.

Contraindications of Colocynth

In a fairly large doses of various preparations of Colocynth cause nephritis and cystitis. Apart from this there are various allergic reactions. In pregnancy, the use of funds on the basis of this plant is possible only if the potential risk to the fetus is less than the expected benefit to the motherbaby. Children under 12 years various means are contraindicated. People with diabetes should be consumed any drugs of Colocynth under the strict supervision of a physician.

Side effects can be severe pain in the gut and severe inflammation. If you experience side effects treatment it is recommended to immediately stop.