A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE TAXONOMY, PHYTOCONSTITUENTS, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MOMORDICA DIOICA

Momordica dioica, commonly known as spiny gourd or teasel gourd, is a perennial, dioecious climber belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Widely distributed across tropical Asia, especially in India, this underutilized vegetable holds immense medicinal and nutritional significance. The plant is characterized by its small, spiny, green fruits that are rich in dietary fibre, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Ethnobotanical studies reveal its traditional use in managing diabetes, inflammation, fever, and digestive disorders. Phytochemical analyses have identified the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties. Its seeds and fruits are used in Ayurvedic formulations, while leaves are sometimes applied for wound healing and skin ailments. Recent pharmacological investigations have supported many of its traditional claims and highlight its potential as a source for novel therapeutic agents. However, despite its proven benefits, M. dioica remains under-researched and underutilized. Agronomically, it is a hardy plant suited to diverse climatic conditions, though its cultivation is limited to certain regions due to lack of awareness and propagation challenges.