Abstract |
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Benincasa hispida was probably native in Japan and Java, cultivated more or less throughout warm countries. It was a popular vegetable crop widely used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Phytochemical analysis showed that the major constituents of Benincasa hispida fruits are volatile oils , flavonoids, glycosides, sacchrides, proteins, carotenes, vitamins, minerals, ß-sitosterin and uronic acid. The pharmacological studies revealed that the plant exerted many pharmacological activities , including central nervous effects ( anxiolytic , muscle relaxant , antidepressant , in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and to minimize opiates withdrawal signs), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiasthmatic, diuretic , nephroprotective , antidiabetic , hypolipidemic and antimicrobial effects . This review was designed to highlight the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Benincasa hispida. |