Luffa aegyptica Mill. / Luffa cylindrica M. Roem (kosataki)

Kosataki appears to be used in as a common term for most of the fruits of Cucurbiataceae which have a net-like fibrous structure in the pulp. Bhavamishra described two varieties viz., Mahakosataki and Rajakosataki i.e., L. cylindrica and L. acutangula respectively. He used Dhamargava, Ghoshaka etc as synonyms for Maha-Kosataki.

Thakurji reported that- Krtavedhana has sometimes been identified with Malkangan which may be Cardiospermum species. The synonyms. Kshveda, Mrdangaphala, Kosataki etc may be applicable to this plant both morphologically and medicinally.

Luffa is the genus name of a group of gourds also known as vegetable sponges, dishcloth gourds, running okra, strainer vine, Chinese okra, California okra, and loofah. Two species are commonly grown in India. Angled luffa is L. acutangula, while the smooth-fruited version is L. cylindrica, (L. aegyptica).  The two species are somewhat similar in appearance. Both are vigorous, climbing, annual vines with several lobed cucumber-like leaves. When crushed, the leaves give off a rank odor.

We are of the opinion that the three varieties of kosataki described in madanapala nighantu are known as ghiaturai, turai and kali-turai in the North Indian belt.  Author observed all the three species being used in North India as vegetables.  In south Inida the first two varieties are known as neti-birakaya and birakaya respectively while the third variety is not seen in South.  Where as north Indian vegetable sellers sell the third variety as kali-turai which is similar to ridged gourd but dark green in colour and is not as tasty as turai.  From these observations all the three varieties may be recongized as:

• Kosataki –           cylindrica (L. aegyptiaca)
• Raja kosataki – acutangula
• Maha kosataki – acutangula var. amara

Botanical Description – It is an annual climber bearing yellow flowers. It is cultivated all over India.

Major Chemical Constituents– Cucurbitacin B & E, oleanolic acid

Part Used– Fruit

Dosage– Powder 3-6 g.; fresh juice 10-20 ml.

Research–

(1) Whole plant extract showed hypoglycaemic action in rats (Aswal et al., 1984).

(2) The aqueous extract of seeds revealed anticancer activity against the ascitic form of Schwartz leukaemia in transplanted tumour (Pal et al., 1968).