Diplocyclos palmatus(Cucurbitaceae) - Shivlingi

The fruits of this plant when ripe might look enticing, but they are not to be consumed. This plant is very potent and holds great promise, however caution needs to be exercised while using it and its best to do so under the guidance of an expert.

Summary of Clinical Significance:

• Anticancer Lead: The plant, especially its seeds, is a valuable source for isolating potent cucurbitacins for modern oncology drug development.

• Traditional Medicine for Inflammation & Diabetes: When the safer parts (like leaves) are used with expert knowledge, it serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic agent.

• A Cautionary Tale: The plant exemplifies the principle that "the dose makes the poison." Its therapeutic window is narrow, and self-medication, particularly with the fruit or seeds, is extremely dangerous. Its use must be informed by its potent and toxic nature.

Diplocyclos palmatus (Native Bryony)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Diplocyclos palmatus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Genus: Diplocyclos

Related Herbs from the same family:

Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd/Karela): A widely used anti-diabetic and blood-purifying vegetable, sharing the family's tendency towards bitter principles that support metabolic and skin health.

Trichosanthes dioica (Pointed Gourd/Parwal): A nutritious vegetable valued for its digestive and cardiotonic properties.

Citrullus colocynthis (Indrayan/Colocynth): A powerful, drastic purgative used in small, controlled doses for severe constipation and edema, highlighting the potent and often toxic nature of some Cucurbitaceae members.

Benincasa hispida (Ash Gourd/Kushmanda): A quintessential cooling and rejuvenating vegetable, used as a brain tonic and for peptic ulcers.

The Cucurbitaceae family is known for its climbing plants and fleshy fruits. It contains a wide spectrum of species, from highly nutritious vegetables to potent, toxic medicinal plants. Diplocyclos palmatus falls into the latter category, emphasizing the importance of correct identification and usage.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Diplocyclos palmatus | English: Native Bryony, Striped Cucumber, Lollipop Climber | Sanskrit: Lingini, Sivati, Sivalingi | Hindi: Shivalingi, Lingini, Ishwari | Tamil: Iswari, Nari-attu-tiga | Telugu: Iswari, Aswiri | Kannada: Lingatondeballi | Malayalam: Iswari | Marathi: Shivlingi | Bengali: Isholori, Bara Gokhru | Odia: Mahakal | Assamese: Bhimbu |

3. Medicinal Uses:Please Note: This plant is considered toxic and is used with extreme caution in specific traditional formulations.Fertility Tonic (especially female), Aphrodisiac, Galactagogue, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Anthelmintic.

Medicinal Parts:The seeds are the primary part used in medicine, almost exclusively in classical Ayurvedic formulations. The roots and leaves are also mentioned in ethnobotanical uses but are less common.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cucurbitacins (B, D, E, I): Bitter triterpenoids found throughout the plant, with high concentration in the fruit and seeds. Their actions are potent Cytotoxic, Anti-inflammatory, and Antipyretic. They are also highly Toxic and can cause severe purgation and gastroenteritis.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol): Plant antioxidants. Their actions are Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory.

Alkaloids: Nitrogen-containing compounds. Their actions are diverse but can include Analgesic and potential neurotoxic effects if misused.

Tannins: Astringent compounds. Their primary action is Antimicrobial and Astringent.

Saponins: Soap-like compounds that can have Immunomodulatory effects but also contribute to toxicity.

The intense bitterness and toxicity of this plant are primarily attributed to the cucurbitacins.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vandhyatva (Infertility) & Aphrodisiac (Vajikarana)

Formulation: "Shivalingi Beeja" (seeds) in classical preparations.

Preparation & Use: The seeds are a key ingredient in certain specialized Ayurvedic formulations, such as "Shivalingi Beeja Churna," given under strict medical supervision to promote conception and as a tonic for the female reproductive system.

Reasoning: It is considered a powerful Rasayana for the artava (ovum) and is believed to nourish the reproductive tissues. Its exact mechanism is not well-documented in modern terms but is deeply rooted in traditional wisdom.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue)

Formulation: Seed-based preparations.

Preparation & Use: In some traditions, a precise dose of processed seeds is administered to nursing mothers to improve the quantity and quality of breast milk.

Reasoning: It is thought to have a stimulating effect on the channels responsible for milk production.

Jwara (Fever) & Shopha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Paste of leaves or roots for external application.

Preparation & Use: A paste made from the leaves or roots is applied topically on inflamed joints, swellings, or on the forehead to relieve fevers. Internal use for these purposes is highly risky without expert preparation.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of cucurbitacins are harnessed through topical application to avoid systemic toxicity.

Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Extremely low doses of seed extract.

Preparation & Use: Used in a very minute, purified dose as an anthelmintic to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The toxic nature of the plant is potent enough to kill parasites, but the dose for the human host must be meticulously calculated.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

This plant has no culinary use and is not suitable for home remedies. Its use is confined to classical Ayurvedic medicine, where it is meticulously processed (Shodhana) to reduce toxicity and then used in minuscule quantities as part of complex formulations. Ingesting the fresh fruit or seeds can be fatal.

Example of a Classical Formulation (For Information Only):

Shivalingi Beeja Churna for Fertility

Purpose: Used traditionally for female infertility.

Preparation & Use (By Qualified Practitioner Only):

• Seeds of Diplocyclos palmatus are purified through specific processes.

• They are then powdered and mixed with other herbs like Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha).

• This mixture is administered with milk or ghee in a precise dosage for a specific period, as determined by the physician.

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7.In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Diplocyclos palmatus (Shivalingi, Ivy Gourd)

Diplocyclos palmatus is a crucial yet understudied medicinal plant within the Cucurbitaceae family, distinguished by its striking bright red fruits with white stripes. Unlike Coriandrum sativum, which has distinct culinary roles for its parts, D. palmatus is primarily medicinal, with its seeds, leaves, and roots being utilized. However, a critical duality exists: the plant possesses significant therapeutic potential alongside documented toxicity, particularly in the fruit pulp and seeds, which necessitates cautious and knowledgeable application. The leaves are often emphasized for anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties, while the seeds are a rich source of unique, potent cucurbitacins.

1. Cucurbitacins and Triterpenoids

Key Compounds:

• Cucurbitacin B, D, E, and I: These are the most prominent and biologically active constituents, concentrated heavily in the seeds and fruit pulp.

• Diplocyclin: A unique cucurbitacin glycoside isolated specifically from this plant.

• Other Triterpenes: Bryonolic acid, oleanolic acid.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:The cucurbitacins are the primary mediators of both the plant's potent bioactivity and its toxicity.

• Cytotoxic & Anticancer (Seeds/Fruit): Cucurbitacins B and E are renowned for their powerful cytotoxic effects. They inhibit the JAK/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, and liver cancers.

• Potent Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (Whole plant, esp. Leaves): Cucurbitacins exhibit strong anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the COX-2 and iNOS enzymes, similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but through a different mechanism. This validates its traditional use in treating rheumatism, arthritis, and fevers.

• Antifertility & Abortifacient (Seeds): The seeds have demonstrated significant antifertility effects in studies, supporting their traditional use for birth control. This is attributed to the estrogenic and embryotoxic properties of the cucurbitacins. This also represents a major safety concern.

2. Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids

Key Compounds:

• Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Apigenin.

• Phenolic Acids: Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid, p-Coumaric acid.

• Lignans: Pinoresinol, Medioresinol.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:These compounds contribute to the plant's antioxidant and protective effects, potentially mitigating some of the oxidative stress-related side effects of the potent cucurbitacins.

• Antioxidant & Hepatoprotective (Leaves): The high flavonoid and phenolic content in the leaves contributes to a strong free-radical scavenging activity. This underpins its use in supporting liver health and protecting against chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.

• Antidiabetic & Metabolic (Leaves): Flavonoids like quercetin and phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid are known to influence glucose metabolism. They can inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (like alpha-glucosidase) and improve insulin sensitivity, supporting the traditional use for managing diabetes.

• Antimicrobial (Leaves/Stem): The phenolic profile contributes to broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi, validating its use in treating wounds and infections.

3. Saponins and Fatty Acids

Key Compounds:

• Saponins: Palmatosides A, B, and C (specific to this species).

• Fatty Acids (Seed Oil): Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

• Immunomodulatory & Adaptogenic (Root/Leaves): The saponins are believed to contribute to the plant's ability to modulate the immune system, which may be linked to its traditional use as a tonic.

• Emollient & Vehicle (Seed Oil): The fixed oil from the seeds serves as a carrier for the fat-soluble bioactive compounds like cucurbitacins and tocopherols.

4. Alkaloids and Other Nitrogenous Compounds

Key Compounds: Indole alkaloids, trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

• The presence of alkaloids, though in lower concentrations than cucurbitacins, may contribute to the overall pharmacological profile, particularly the neuro-pharmacological effects and potential toxicity.

An Integrated View of Healing and Caution in Diplocyclos palmatus

The story of Diplocyclos palmatus is one of powerful dualism: profound therapeutic potential intertwined with significant toxicity. An integrated view must account for both.

Leaves:

For Metabolic & Inflammatory Support: The synergy of Flavonoids (antioxidant, antidiabetic) and lower levels of Cucurbitacins (anti-inflammatory) makes the leaf extract valuable for managing diabetes, arthritis, and as a hepatoprotective agent.

Critical Safety Note: Generally considered safer than the fruit/seeds, but caution is still advised due to the presence of bioactive cucurbitacins.

Seeds & Fruit Pulp:

For Targeted Cytotoxicity: The high concentration of Cucurbitacins B and E (cytotoxic, apoptotic) makes this part a potent source for anticancer research. The saponins may modulate this activity.

Critical Safety Note:

HIGHLY TOXIC. Ingestion can cause severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Its use is not recommended outside of controlled, professionally guided settings.

Roots & Stems:

As a Tonic and Immunomodulator: Used traditionally as a general health tonic, likely due to the combined effect of saponins, triterpenes, and phenolics.

Critical Safety Note:

Requires traditional expertise for safe preparation and dosing.

Disclaimer:

Diplocyclos palmatus is a toxic plant and should not be used for self-medication under any circumstances. The fresh fruit and seeds are poisonous and ingestion can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and can be fatal. Its medicinal use is strictly confined to classical Ayurvedic formulations prepared by experienced and qualified practitioners who understand the intricate methods of purification (Shodhana) and dosage. The information provided here is for academic and identification purposes only and must not be construed as medical advice or an endorsement for use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any use of this plant.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Prof. P.V. Sharma

• Bhava Prakasha Nighantu

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Trichosanthes cucumerina (Snake Gourd/Chichinda)

Species: Trichosanthes cucumerina | Family: Cucurbitaceae | Genus: Trichosanthes

Similarities: A non-toxic relative from the same family. The seeds of snake gourd are also used in traditional medicine as a cooling agent, a mild laxative, and are sometimes considered beneficial for the heart. This highlights the contrast between a safe food plant and a toxic medicinal plant within the same family.

2. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari)

Species: Asparagus racemosus | Family: Asparagaceae | Genus: Asparagus

Similarities: This is the primary and safe Ayurvedic rejuvenative for the female reproductive system. It shares the uses of Diplocyclos palmatus as a fertility tonic, galactagogue, and aphrodisiac, but without the associated toxicity, making it the herb of choice for these conditions.

3. Bryonia alba (White Bryony)

Species: Bryonia alba | Family: Cucurbitaceae | Genus: Bryonia

Similarities: A European cousin, also known as Bryony, which is equally toxic and contains high levels of cucurbitacins. It has a history of use in Western herbalism as a powerful purgative and anti-inflammatory agent, used in homeopathic dilutions. This parallel shows the widespread presence of potent, toxic medicinal plants within the Cucurbitaceae family across the world.

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