Luffa cylindrica

Luffa cylindrica

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Tracheophytes
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Rosids
  • Order: Cucurbitales
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Genus: Luffa
  • Species: Luffa cylindrica

Synonyms: Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa pentandra, Luffa operculata

Species ID: NMP-101,wfo-0000358886

Common Names: Smooth loafah,vegetable sponge

Local Names: Aya-oyinbo,kankan oyinbo ,kankan ayaba

Basic Description: Luffa cylindrica, commonly known as sponge gourd, loofah, or dishcloth gourd, is a tropical and subtropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is known for its elongated, cylindrical fruit that, when mature, dries out and forms a natural sponge. The plant produces large, yellow flowers and its fruits can range from green to yellow when mature. The fruit's internal structure consists of fibrous tissue, which gives it the sponge-like texture.

Distribution and Habitat: Luffa cylindrica is native to Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It thrives in warm climates and is commonly grown in countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and other regions. It prefers well-drained soil and ample sunlight, making it suitable for cultivation in various types of soil and environments.

Medicinal Properties: Luffa cylindrica has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. Some potential uses include:

  • Exfoliation: The dried sponge-like texture of mature luffa fruits is often used as a natural exfoliating scrub for the skin.
  • Cough and Respiratory Issues: In some traditional medicine systems, extracts from luffa fruits have been used to treat coughs, colds, and respiratory conditions.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Luffa extracts are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used topically for soothing skin conditions.

Additional Information:

  • The young fruits of Luffa cylindrica are edible and can be cooked and eaten in a manner similar to other types of gourds or summer squashes.
  • The mature, dried fruits of luffa are commonly used as natural scrubbers or sponges for bathing and cleaning.
  • Luffa cylindrica is a vigorous climber and is often grown on trellises or other support structures.
  • The plant's rapid growth and versatility make it useful for erosion control and as a cover crop in some agricultural systems.

Know Toxicity:

References

  • AZEEZ, M. A., BELLO, O. S., & ADEDEJI, A. O. (2013). Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Luffa cylindrica: A Review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 1(5), 102-111.
  • Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. (2021). The promising guide to LC–MS analysis and cholinesterase activity of Luffa cylindrica (L.) fruit using in vitro and in-silico analyses.
  • IntechOpen. (2022). A Review on the Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Effect of Luffa cylindrica.
  • SciAlert. (2020). Phytochemical Profile and Antibacterial Properties of the Seed and Leaf of the Luffa Plant (Luffa cylindrica).

External link

https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/eafrinet/weeds/key/weeds/Media/Html/Luffa_cylindrica_(Vegetable_Sponge_Gourd).htm

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/luffa-aegyptiaca

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luffa_aegyptiaca

http://www.westafricanplants.senckenberg.de/root/index.php?page_id=14&id=1046

More Pictures
Compounds of Luffa cylindrica
References

4. Akinwumi, K. A., Eleyowo, O. O., & Oladipo, O. O. (2021). A Review on the Ethnobotanical Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Effect of Luffa cylindrinca. Natural drugs from plants, 1-25.