Botanical name : Luffa cylindrica (Linn.) M. Roem.(L. acgypliaca Mill.) Family : Cucurbitaceae SANSKRIT SYNONYMS Koshataki, Mahakoshataki, Tiktakosataki AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES Rasa : Tikta, Katu Guna : Snigdha, Teekshna Veerya : Ushna PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES English : Sponge gourd. Vegetable sponge, Wash sponge Hindi : Khiya tori Malayalam : Kattupiccil. Puttilpiram, Kattupiram. Perumpeeram Distribution: Throughout India, wild in waste lands especially along the coastal areas and also cultivated BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION A large succulent tendril climber grows on hedges, and shrubs. Leaves orbicular-reniform, simple, palmately, 5-lobed, scabrous and punctate, glabrous except the pubescent nerves beneath: male flowers in axillary racemes, female flowers solitary, usually from the axils: fruits large, cylindric, or fusiform, smooth. 1 2.5-30 cm long, 10 - ribbed. Seeds black or grey, laterally compressed, narrowly winged. Parts used: fruits, seeds Properties and uses: Plant cures vitiated Kapha, pitta, jaundice, infective hepatitis, constipation, skin diseases, splenomegali, piles, bronchitis and tumours. The seeds used in skin diseases. The application of crushed tender fruit in milk through nose (Nasya) cures Jaundice. Seeds of this plant is available: CONTACT US