KUSHMANDA (BENINCASA HISPIDA): TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

The main idea is to understand the nutritional composition, pharmacological actions, phytochemicals present, and the traditional use of the same in different parts of the world. It is a compilation of all the publications regarding Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida) through other data. There are in total 165 research articles and 65 research projects, from which the reference was taken, 117 were taken from PubMed, 29 from Elsevier, 42 from CTRI, 23 from Baghel, 12 from Ayush research portal, and 5 from Dhara. Kushmanda possesses anti-ulcer, anti-hypochlohydric, anti-oxidant, lipid-lowering effect, diuretic, anti-angiogenic, anti-helminthic, anti-hypertensive, anti-ageing, neuroprotective, anti-histamine, anti-depressant properties. Nutritional profile and various therapeutic actions of Kushmanda have been reported, yet there are many pharmacological effects to be proven with clinical trials; hence, there should be clinical studies regarding the same.