A natural gift - Cephalandra indica

Abstract

Cephalandra indica commonly known as Lvy Gourd, Little Gourd and Kovai belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. This plant is used in Homoepathy as antidiabetic in India. It contains an enzyme with amyloytic properties, a hormone and traces of an alkaloid and it produces reduction of sugar in the blood and urine of patients suffering from glycosuria. Cephalandra indica reported to exhibit anti carotenoids, anit inflammatory, anti diabetic, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial and flavonoid isolated from C. Indica aerial parts. In India Cephalandra indica are used widely as vegetable.