Lagenaria siceraria vs Jue Ming Zi

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lagenaria siceraria

Cardiovascular

Cassia obtusifolia

Cardiovascular

Lagenaria siceraria

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Jue Ming Zi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Ancient cultivated cucurbit used across Africa, Asia, and Americas for food, medicine, and utensils.

Seeds used in TCM to clear liver heat, improve vision, moisten the intestines, and treat hypertension and constipation.

Active Compounds

cucurbitacins, flavonoids, sterols, polyphenols

chrysophanol, emodin, obtusin, chrysoobtusin, naphthopyrone glycosides

Traditional Uses

Cardiac conditions in Indian medicine, Diuretic in folk medicine, Snake bite antidote, Food and container use

liver heat, red eyes, hypertension, constipation, headache

Modern Uses

Cardioprotective effects, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective

antihypertensive, laxative, cholesterol reduction, eye health

Adult Dosage

Fresh juice 50 ml daily; cooked fruit as food

9–15g dry-fried seeds as tea

Contraindications

Bitter gourd varieties toxic, Liver disease

pregnancy, diarrhea, hypotension

Side Effects

GI upset, rare hepatotoxicity with bitter varieties

loose stools, diarrhea with high doses, hypotension

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E