Luffa acutangula  (Ridged Luffa) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Luffa acutangula Family: Cucurbitaceae Genus: Luffa Related Herbs from the same family: Luffa aegyptiaca  (Smooth Luffa): Its closest relative with overlapping uses. Luffa operculata  (Dhamargava): A more potent cousin used specifically for sinusitis. Momordica charantia  (Bitter Gourd): Shares the family and bitter, detoxifying principles. 2. Common Names: Scientific Name: Luffa acutangula | English: Ridged Gou