Nutritional and Biological Profile of Citrullus colocynthis

Abstract

The proximat analysis and mineral content of various parts and medicinal application of Citrullus colocynthis have been discussed in this chapter. Commonly it has been called as bitter apple (Family: Cucurbitaceace). The different parts of bitter melon is enriched with nutrient like Ash (2-4.48%), Fats (20.7-26.6%), Moisture (4.4-4.91%), Fiber (1.1-52.0%) and Carbohydrates (13.7-70.17%). Crude protein content in various parts ranged from 3.68-18.83% followed by the crude fiber (1.84-15.13%) and moisture (5.85-13.01%), respectively. The minerals which were present in traces were calcium followed by potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc,manganese, Phosphorous, Sodium and Cupper. It is rich souses of amino acid, especially, the essential amino acids. It has been well known by centuries because of its therapeutic properties, like anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, diuretics, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and also in snake poison.