Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 1).djvu/670

590 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 properties. 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 successful results " (Surgn. E. W. Savinge, Rajamundry, Godaveri District). Watt's Dictionary.

The seeds yield a mild, pale oil.

Sans. : — Karavella ; Sushavi.

Vern. : — Karela (H.) ; Karala (B.) ; Kârlâ (Bomb.) ; Pava- kai, Pâvakkâ-chedi (Tam.) ; Kâkarachettu (Tel) ; Pandipasel (Mal.)

[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 Karalâ 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 monceions. Calyx-lobes ovate, acute. Petals ⅜-¾in., yellow. Female peduncle 2-4in., slender, bracteate near the base ; ovary fusiform, muricate. Fruit l-3in., rostrate, ovate, narrowed at both ends, many-ribbed, covered with triangular tubercles. Seeds ½in..