Anatomical Investigations on Medicinally Important Plant Trichosanthes Anguina Linn

Thakur S. B., Kothale K. V.

Abstract: The family Cucurbitaceae is among the largest and the most diverse plant family is cultivated worldwide in a variety of environmental conditions. Plants from this family cultivated because of the fruits, seeds and vegetables are traditionally consumed in various Ayurvedic preparations and confectionaries. Trichosanthes anguina Linn. (snake gourd) is a cultivated species from the family Cucurbitaceae. The fruit is very long and usually consumed as a vegetable due to it is good nutritional value. The fruit have good source of minerals, fibers and vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C. It increases appetite and acts as a tonic and stomachic, lessens thirst, cures biliousness and the seeds are considered cooling. Anatomical study of different parts of the Trichosanthes anguina Linn. like root, stem, leaf, petiole, tendril and epidermal study were carried out.

Keywords: Cucurbitaceae, Trichosanthes anguina Linn, Anatomy, Ayurvedic