Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of scarlet gourd

Background and aims: Scarlet gourd, a common name for Coccinia grandis, is an essential plant due to its immense medicinal properties. It is traditionally used to treat bronchitis, cough, skin diseases, epilepsy, psoriasis, wound healing, smallpox, leprosy, gonorrhea, malaria, and jaundice. Methods: The scientific information on C. grandis was obtained from various sources, including Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and other scientific databases, covering 2005 to 2022. Results: The bioactive components of C. grandis include taraxerone, lycopene, heptacosane, cephalandrine, lupenol, vitamins, triterpenoids, and saponins. The pharmacological activities of the scarlet gourd are antidiabetic, antipyretic, antimalarial, antihistamine, antihypertensive, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitussive, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects. Conclusion: Due to its bioactive components, scarlet gourd (C. grandis) exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic and anticancer effects. However, many traditional uses remain scientifically unverified, warranting further research.