Reviewed by experts
Ivy Gourd or Coccinia grandis is a perennial herbaceous vine of the family Cucurbitaceae.[1] In India, it is commonly known as kundru, kundri, tindora, and tindori in the native language.[2]
It is one of the most beneficial medicinal herbs in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine. The subsistence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, etc. in the plant may give to their medicinal value.[3]
In this blog, we will explore the nutrition facts, benefits, side effects, and more about Ivy Gourd.
Nutrition Facts
Ivy Gourd is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals. A 100-gram serving of Ivy Gourd contains the below enlisted nutrients.[3]
| Nutrient | Content per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 12.62% |
| Proteins | 15% |
| Water Soluble Proteins | 11.25% |
| Fats | 4.0% |
| Vitamin C | 25.55mg |
| Total Phenols | 61.92mg |
| β-carotene | 70.05mg |
| Potassium | 3.3mg |
| Phosphorous | 1.15mg |
| Sodium | 0.95mg |
| Calcium | 3.79mg |
Benefits of Ivy Gourd
1. Antibacterial properties
Studies have proven that the aqueous extract of Ivy Gourd leaves shows antibacterial activity against bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Shigella flexneri NICED, Shigella dysenteries, Bacillus subtilis and Shigella flexneri.[3]
2. Antioxidant properties
Studies have reported that the ethanol extract of root of Ivy Gourd possess antioxidant properties due to the presence of flavonoids.[3] Similarly, methanol extracts of Ivy Gourd that have glycosides and flavonoids possess potent antioxidant activity.[3]
3. Antiulcer properties
An experimental study on rats for the evaluation of anti-ulcer activity of Ivy Gourd leaves was done.[3] With ulcer index being the parameter, the Ivy Gourd leaves extract showed a significance inhibition in ethanol-induced gastric lesions.[3]
4. Hypoglycemic capacity
Traditionally, Ivy Gourd benefits include being used for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes mellitus.[2] The hypoglycemic activity of Ivy Gourd is due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpines, and β-carotene.[3]
Consumption of Ivy Gourd herb reduces ill effects of diabetes with lesser side effects and at low cost.[2]
5. Weight management capacity
Studies have shown that Ivy Gourd root extract consisting of adipogenic activity significantly reduced intracellular fat accumulation during the early stages of adipocyte differentiaton.[4] This established that Ivy Gourd may help prevent obesity mainly on the ability of its active constituents to suppress adipocyte differentiation.[4]
Side Effects of Ivy Gourd
While Ivy Gourd is used in traditional and modern medicine for the treatment of diabetes, pain, hypertension, fever, jaundice, etc., it does show certain side effects. These Ivy Gourd disadvantages are as enlisted below:[5]
- Reduced potassium levels
- Increase in lileeding
- Allergic reactions
- Dizziness
- Gastrointestinal tract prolilems
- Uterine contractions
What’s More on Ivy Gourd?
Ivy Gourd benefits are not limited to those mentioned above. Every part of this plant is important in medicine as it is used in treatment of various skin diseases, bronchitis, etc.[5] The Unani systems of medicine leverage the Ivy Gourd nutrition for Ivy Gourd benefits for skin such as ring worm, psoriasis, small pox, and scabies and other itchy skin eruptions and ulcers.[5]
In many countries people use various parts of the plant to get relief from asthma and cough.[5]
The oil of Ivy Gourd plant is used as an injection into chronic sinuses.[5]
The entire plant product has been reported to be useful for the treatment of syphilis, sores and bacterial infections, while the ash of the root is applied for skin complaints.[5]
FAQs
1. What is Ivy Gourd?
Ivy Gourd or Coccinia grandis is a perennial herbaceous vine of the family Cucurbitaceae.[1] In India, it is commonly known as kundru, kundri, tindora, and tindori in the native language.[2]
It is one of the most beneficial medicinal herbs in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine.
2. What attributes for the Ivy Gourd’s medicinal properties?
The subsistence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, etc. in the plant may give to their medicinal value.[3]
3. What are the side effects of Ivy Gourd?
While Ivy Gourd is used in traditional and modern medicine for the treatment of diabetes, pain, hypertension, fever, jaundice, etc., it does show certain side effects like reduced potassium levels, increase in bleeding, allergic reactions, dizziness, gastrointestinal tract problems, uterine contractions, etc.
Conclusion
Ivy Gourd is a nutritious vegetable that offers many health benefits, including regulating blood sugar, promoting weight loss, acting as an antioxidant and much more. However, it can also cause side effects in some people, such as allergic reactions, GIT issues, etc. As with any dietary changes, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before adding Ivy Gourd to your diet.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be an alternative to medical treatment by a medical practitioner. Please consult a professional medical practitioner before any dietary modifications.
References:
- Coccinia grandis
- Ivy Gourd (COCCINIA GRANDIS) AN ANTIDIABETIC HERB: A REVIEW
- Ivy Gourd: NUTRITION AND PHARMALOGICAL VALUES
- Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt) root suppresses adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells
- Ivy Gourd – MEDICINAL AND NUTRITIONAL VALUES
