Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on shelf life and post-harvest quality of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn: A least known medicinal plant

Abstract

Coccinia indica Wight & Arn, commonly called Ivy gourd or Scarlet gourd is a tropical plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. Ivy gourd grows well in India as well as in other tropical areas. The roots, fruit, and leaves of Coccinia indica have been used for many medical conditions, including inflammation, asthma, cardiovascular disease (heart disease), and high cholesterol. Coccinia indica has mainly been studied as an antidiabetic agent. It has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels in humans and in animals. It is one of the choice plant of traditional medicine practitioners and used to relieve pneumonia, dysentery, cough and cold. The extracts of fruits reported to contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and phenols which are responsible for antimicrobial activity of the fruit. Loss in quality and comparatively limited shelf life are major problems faced in marketing of fresh ivy gourd in India due to its high respiration and transpiration rates at warm temperature. So the present investigation designed in order to extend the shelf life and maintaining quality of ivy gourd, it is essential to pack it in appropriate packaging materials to reduce the rate of respiration and transpiration so as to maintain freshness and high nutritional quality.