Medicinal plants have represented for humanity a practical, economical and viable solution to prevent and solve a large number of diseases in the human species, including cundeamor.
In this article, we provide you with information about what cundeamor is and what its uses are for the health of human beings.
What is cundeamor?
The cundeamor with the scientific name Momordica charantia , is a medicinal plant used for natural medicine, of the climbing type of the existing wild species, being native to India, but its cultivation is also carried out in South and Southeast Asia, in China, Africa and the Antilles. (1)
Note: This plant gives a yellow-orange fruit with a rough bark of the same name, which is also known by the name of bitter melon, having various uses whose leaves are also used in popular medicine.
The cundeamor fruit is characterized by having warts and an elongated shape , with a thin layer of meat inside its cavity, which contains large and flat seeds, highlighting that its cultivation is suitable in sandy soils with sufficient water, such as those close to a river beach.
What is cundeamor used for?
Due to the amount of nutrients and chemical compounds , cundeamor offers people benefits in the following health conditions:
1. Controls blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol
Like all bitter fruits, cundeamor contains high amounts of vitamin C and its yellowish color characterizes it for having beta-carotene, a pigment with antioxidant properties , in addition to having vitamin A.
All these phytonutrients, as well as interesting antioxidant bioactive compounds (2), work against free radicals that cause, for example, lipid peroxidation and therefore the initiation of the atherosclerosis process in the blood vessels.
To highlight: The action of these antioxidants regulates the presence of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and prevents the formation of atheromas. Additionally, cundeamor has been scientifically determined to contain bioactive compounds to prevent and treat diabetes . (3)
2. Lowers blood pressure
With the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood thanks to its antioxidant action, cundeamor reduces the presence of atheromas in the walls of veins and arteries , a condition that describes atherosclerosis. (4)
You should know: This action improves the flow of blood in the blood vessels , regulating high blood pressure. In addition, its potassium and sodium content favor the vasodilation of veins and arteries, contributing to a good blood flow.
3. Helps eliminate toxins from the body
Cundeamor is also used in the treatment of fluid retention and in the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body, a product of its different metabolic reactions.
Note: The potassium-sodium balance ratio and the water content in the fruit favor detoxification and the elimination of excess intracellular fluid in the body.
4. Fights bacteria and fungi
It has been described that the leaves of the cundeamor contain antibacterial potential, which is used by natural medicine to treat skin diseases such as scabies.
To highlight: Some clinical trials verified the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of the cundeamor leaves, on bacteria such as E.coli and S. aureus . (5)
5. Improves liver diseases, rheumatism and colitis
Thanks to its antioxidant compounds and the presence of fiber, cundeamor can help treat various diseases from various angles. For example, with antioxidants such as vitamin C, it helps reduce fatty liver problems , as well as facilitating the detoxification of the body.
Regarding rheumatic diseases, the presence of ascorbic acid favors the synthesis of collagen , an important protein in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the presence of fiber helps in the transit of food through the intestines , facilitating its digestion and preventing diseases such as colitis .
6. Relieves allergies and skin conditions
Natural medicine has used the leaves of cundeamor to treat in the form of a poultice certain skin conditions such as rashes, related to possible allergic reactions.
You should know: Other skin conditions have been treated by the population with the leaves of this plant, such as burns, ulcers, and skin eruptions .
7. Reduces menstrual pain
Likewise, traditional medicine has used the therapeutic benefits of this plant to reduce pain caused in women during the menstrual period.
Note: But in this case, you must be very careful since abortifacient properties have been attributed to this plant, so it is advisable to consult a doctor.
properties of cundeamor
The therapeutic benefits of cundeamor are due to its chemical and nutritional properties that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
This plant contains in its fruit the following B vitamins , vitamin B1 , vitamin B2 , vitamin B3 , vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. It is accompanied by vitamin C and A.
To highlight: The minerals present in cundeamor are: calcium , iron , magnesium, manganese, phosphorus , potassium , sodium and zinc .
2. Other compounds
In addition to vitamins and minerals, cundeamor also contains carbohydrates, water, fiber and an interesting complex of polyphenols with antioxidant activity. (6)
How is cundeamor consumed?
Despite the fact that it is edible, the cundeamor fruit has a very bitter taste , which makes it unappetizing for any cooking recipe; however, from its leaves, fruit and seed, decoctions are obtained to treat different diseases, its leaves used as a poultice for certain skin conditions.
You should know: The leaves and fruits of cundeamor can be prepared as an infusion to drink warm or cold.
Others prefer to consume cundeamor in the form of juice , pulp or concentrate where its leaves and seeds are usually boiled or soaked in salt water, before cooking to reduce the bitter taste.
Key takeaways
- Cundeamor is a medicinal plant used for natural medicine.
- The therapeutic properties of cundeamor are found in its leaves, fruits and seeds .
- Cundeamor has traditionally been used to regulate cholesterol , triglyceride, and blood sugar levels.
- Cundeamor is used as a treatment for diabetes , skin conditions and some cardiovascular conditions.
- The cundeamor is consumed mainly in infusions, juices and concentrates for therapeutic aid.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.