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 i (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. Momordica Charantia Linn. H.F.B.I., II. 
616 ; Roxb. 696. 
Sans. : — Karavella ; Sushavi. 
Vern.v — Karela tJE.) ; Karala (B.) ; Karla (Bomb.) ; Pava- 
kai, Pavakka-chedi (Tam.) ; 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 Uchhya .] 
Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India. 
A climbing annual herb, with simple tendrils. Leaves l-3in. 
diam., 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 monoeions. 
Calyx-lobes ovate, acute. Petals |-|-in., 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 £in., 
