Snake Gourd

This genus of 15 species of annual and perennial tendril climbers ranges from Indonesia and Malaysia to the Pacific Islands. Trichosanthes kirilowii is probably the hardiest species in the genus and is cultivated as a medicinal herb inte southern China, male plants being preferred for root production. It was first described in Chinese medicine in the Shen Nong Canon of Herbs during the later Han dynasty (CE25-220). Though best known in China for inducing abortion, research has shown that it is a possible remedy for AIDS. The active constituent is trichosanthin, a protein investigated as "Compound Q". Chinese medicine also uses T. japonica and T. rosthornii, as well as T. kirilowii, and other species occur as adulterants. The dried fruits of T. cucumeroides are rich in saponins and used as a soap substitute. The related Curcurbita foetidissima (buffalo gourd) also has a high saponin content; native N Americans and early settlers crushed the plant in water for use as a washing agent. Trichosanthes is from the Greek thrix, "hair", and anthos, "flower", and refers to the fringed flowers.

Perennial tuberous tendril climber with annual stems and deeply lobed leaves, to 12cm (5in) across. White tubular flowers, about 4cm (1½in) across, with five deeply fringed lobes, appearing in summer. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants; males in few-flowered clusters; females solitary, followed by smooth-skinned, ovoid to oblong, orange-red, fleshy fruits, to 10cm (4in) long, containing numerous pale brown seeds.

Common Name:	Snake Gourd
Other Names:	Chinese Cucumber
Botanical Name:	Trichosanthes kirilowii syn. Eopepon vitifolius
Genus:	Trichosanthes
Family:	Cucurbitaceae
Native Location:	Mongolia, China, and Vietnam
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. Thin out overcrowded branches to allow air to circulate around developing fruits. Prone to attack by spider mites and whiteflies when grown in a greenhouse.
Propagation:	By seed sown at 20°C (68°F) in spring, soaked for 24 hours before sowing; by softwood cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Tubers and fruits are harvested in autumn and dried for use in decoctions, pills, and powders.
Height:	6-9m (20-28ft)
Hardiness:	Z7-9
Parts Used:	Tubers (gua lou gen, tian hua fen), fruit peel (gua lou pi), seeds (gua lou zi).
Properties:	A bitter-sweet, anti-inflammatory, cooling herb that lowers fever, promotes secretions (notably lactation), and stimulates the uterus (tubers). A sweet, expectorant, laxative herb that stimulates the circulation, dilates the bronchial vessels, moistens dry tissues, and is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal (fruits).
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for diabetes, dry coughs, abscesses, childbirth (second stage of labor), and abortion (tubers); bronchial infections with thick phlegm, chest pain and tightness, dry constipation, and lung and breast tumors (fruits). Fruits are traditionally prepared as a winter soup to ward off colds and influenza.
Warning:	Contraindicated during pregnancy
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 392