590 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



trials should be made in order to discover whether it has any 

 effect on Koch's bacillus tuberculosis. I have seen it produce 

 a decided effect in arresting pulmonary tuberculosis." (Surgn. 

 K. D. Ghose, m.d., Khulna.) 



The preserve is given in piles and in dyspepsia, as an 

 antibilious food (Surgn. Moir, Meerut). " The expressed juice 

 of the mature fruit possesses purgative and alterative proper- 

 ties. It is used in cases where the system has been affected by 

 mercury " (Brigade-Surgn. Thornton, Monghyr). 



The preserve of the fruit is easily digestible and a highly 

 nutritious food in wasting diseases, as consumption (Surgn.- 

 Maj. R. L. Dutt, Pubna). " Much used in diabetes with success- 

 ful results " (Surgn. E. W. Savinge, Rajamundry, Godaveri 

 District). Watt's Dictionary. 



The seeds yield a mild, pale oil. 



536. Momordiea Gharantia Linn, h.f.b.l, ii. 

 616 ; Roxb. 696. 



Sans. : — Karavella ; Sushavi. 



Vern. : — Karela \ll.) ; Karala (B.) ; Karla (Bomb.) ; Pava- 

 kai, Pavakka-chedi (Tarn.) ; Kakarachettu (Tel) ; Pandipasel 

 (Mai.) 



[N.B. — There are two chief varieties differing in the form 

 of the fruit, the one being longer and more oblong, and the 

 other smaller, more ovate, muricated and tubercled. These 

 varieties are known in Bengali as Karala and Uehhya.] 



Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India. 



A climbing annual herb, with simple tendrils. Leaves l-3in. 

 diarn., orbicular, glabrous or slightly pubescent, cut nearly 

 to the base into 5-7 narrow sinuate or sub-pinnati-fid lobes. 

 Male peduncles 1-flowered, orbicular entire. Flowers monceions. 

 Calyx-lobes ovate, acute. Petals i-fin., yellow. Female 

 peduncle 2-4in., slender, bracteate near the base ; ovary fusi- 

 form, muricate. Fruit l-3in., rostrate, ovate, narrowed at both 

 ends, many-ribbed, covered with triangular tubercles. Seeds Jin.. 



