Cucumis sativus
Botanical Nomenclature | Cucumis sativus |
Common Name | Cucumber |
Taxonomy- Family | Cucurbitaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Cucumis sativus is an annual plant growing up to 2m, with large, rough, hairy, toothed, green, five-lobed leaves and small, yellow flowers. The fruits (Cucumbers) are elongated, cylindrical, with green peels and lightly green or white inside. The flowering lasts from July to September and the harvesting takes place from August to October. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruit, leaves, seeds |
Active Substances | Essential oil (which contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), cellulose, vitamins C, B1, B2, A, proteins, minerals (iron, phosphorus, magnesium), water. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has analgesic, sedative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic and tonic properties. It is used against indigestion mainly to children, constipation and various renal and bladder's diseases. The fresh fruits are applied externally to the skin against spots, as well as a component of many cosmetics as it can be used against rashes, sunburns, wounds, inflammation, bruises and skin irritations. |
Method of Administration | It is mainly applied externally in the form of fruits' juice or it is consumed as salad (fresh fruit). It is applied externally to the skin either in the form of fresh fruit or as an ingredient in cosmetics in the form of creams, ointments, emulsions and lotions. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cucumis+sativus 2)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Cucumis_sativus 3) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cucum123.html#med 4)http://medicinalherbinfo.org/herbs/Cucumber.html#Properties 5)http://nemertes.lis.upatras.gr/jspui/handle/10889/5367 |