Bioresource Potential and Environmental Food Security Perspectives of Two Underutilized Cucurbit Vegetable Crops, Momordica balsamina L. and Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina L.

Abstract

Wild vegetables related to cultivated crops have not been given enough attention and use. Such underutilized species are Momordica balsamina (African pumpkin, bitter cucumber, or bitter melon) and Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina (locally called kattupatavalam, chichinga, potlakaaya, pudalankaai, aduvalakaayi, snake tomato) are members of the Cucubitaceae family. M. balsamina, which is closely related to Momordica charantia, is a highly climbing annual to perennial herb with tendrils that bears fruit, exhibits dual attributes, showcasing both medicinal and nutritional properties. All the parts of M. balsamina are home to a variety of medicinally significant substances, and have anti-HIV, anti-plasmodial, shigellocidal, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, analgesic, and hepatoprotective properties. T. cucumerina subsp. cucumerina is a plant used in ayurvedic medicine and is one of the key components of many herbal products sold today. The phytochemicals that are present in the T.cucumerina subsp. cucumerina influence its pharmacological activity and potential for therapeutic use. The ecological, morphological, and nutraceutical features of these two underutilized wild cucurbits are covered in this review and to popularize the highly valued plants having high health benefits for its conservation in its natural habitat and make people to encourage their cultivation in their kitchen gardens.