N. 0. CU0URBITA0E*. 
581 
dried flowers are believed to be stimulant, in doses of 2 to 5 
grains (Irvine). In Dacca, the root, dried and reduced to 
powder, is givfin in doses of 10 grains in enlargements of the 
spleen, liver and abdominal viscera. The fresh root, mixed 
with oil, forms a common application for leprous ulcers 
(Taylor’s Topography of Dacca). 
526 . T. dioica, Roxb. h.f.b.i., ii. 609 ; Roxb. 694 . 
Sans. : — Patola, 
Vern. : — Parvar, palval (H.) ; Patol (B.j ; Kombupudalai 
Tam.) ; Kommu-potla (Tel.) ; Patolam (Mai). 
Habitat : — Common throughout the plain of North India, 
from the Punjab to Assam and East Bengal. 
An annual ; stems twining extensively, more or less woolly 
and scabrous. Dioecious. Leaves 3 by 2in., cordate, oblong 
acute, harsh sinuate-dentate, not lobed. Petiole scabrous, woolly, 
fin. ; tendrils 2-fid. Male peduncles paired, the second-flower- 
ing, often 2 i n . ; male flowers not racemed, wolly without ; anthers 
free. Calyx-tube Ifin., narrow. Fruit 2-3|in., oblong or 
nearly spherical, acute, orange-red. Seeds f-gin., half ellipsoid, 
compressed, corrugate on the margin. Roxburgh says stamens 
three, distinct, which has been repeatedly verified in the living 
plant (C. B. Clarke). 
Use : — In Hindoo medicine, the leaves are described as agood, 
light and agreeable bitter tonic. The fresh juice of the unripe 
fruit is often used as a cooling and laxative adjunct to some 
alterative medicines. In bilious fever, a decoction of patola 
leaves and coriander in equal parts, is given as a febrifuge and 
laxative (Dutt). 
An alcoholic extract of the unripe fruit is said to be a power- 
ful and safe cathartic. According to Dr K. L. Dey, “ the 
bulbous part of the root is a hydragogue cathartic. The root 
of this plant acts like elaterium, for which it can be substitut- 
ed.” The old Hindoo physicians placed much confidence in 
it in the treatment of leprosy. Dr. Bowser, from personal trials, 
describes it as a febrifuge and tonic. (Ph. Ind.). 
