Luffa acutangula (RAJA-KOSATAKI)

As mentioned above, Raja kosataki is identified as L. acutangula.  Actually, the term kosataki is commonly found in brhat trayi works but, rajakosataki term is noticed only in Caraka Samhita (C.S.Ka.4/2) and Astanga Hrdaya (A.H.Ut.37/80). Caraka quoted mahajalini which is considered as raja kosataki (C.S.ka.3/16 & 4/2). Susruta did mention four varieties of kosataki viz., brhatphala, alpaphala, pitapuspa and svetapuspa varieties.  There are two other species of Luffa which need to be considered in this context viz., L. operculata and L. sepium.

Botanical Description (L.acutangula) – Ridged luffa is a tropical running vine with rounded leaves and yellow flowers. Female – as well male flowers appear on the plant. The leaves are covered with short hairs and the fruits are ribbed and cylindrical shaped. It has ten longitudinal angular ridges and a tapered neck. Ridged luffa is very similar to L. cylindrica which lacks the ridge. The length of the fruit is one to two feet.

1. operculata (Synonyms : Luffa purgens Mart. And Momordica ighantuy L., Sponge cucumber) is a species of Luffa. . It is an North American species which is not reported in India. However, it is used as a purgative and for other medicinal purposes. It is cultivated for its fruit, which is used to make a bath sponge. Its fruit is a capsule with spikes. The fruit is dark-brown when mature. Immature fruits are edible. It is also grown in gardens and yards as an ornamental plant. In colder places they can be grown indoors as a houseplant. The luffa is a perennial herb plant. These plants are climbers, therefore they grow leaning against supports of all types. The luffa is medium in size and 3 m in height; in the summer it assumes a yellow colouring

L. sepium – From South America comes this splendid plant that will make a fine companion to Luffa cylindrica . A vigorous, particularly when summer warmth reaches it, climber with fig-leaf-like foliage, it bears attractive yellow flowers, male and female. After ighantuyy, the latter are followed by small, one or two inch fruits which look just like scale models of those nasty mines used to sink ships in war. When ripe and cleaned, they produce a small, creamy-white, loofah-like sponge object, very ornamental, and, we understand, is an excellent exfoliator that does wonders for invigorating your skin. Packet of 10 seeds.

Research – The ethonolic extract of L. acutangular has been reported to exhibit ovulation activity in female rats (Singh et al., 1978).