Trichosanthes cucumerina (Snake gourd) Vs Momordica charantia (Bitter gourd) - Ingredient for Bhunimbadi kadha (Nilavembu Kudineer)

Bhunimbadi kadha or Nilavembu Kudineer the best remedy for the dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and other viral fever and seasonal fever due to common cold. Trichosanthes cucumirina (Snake gourd- small cultivated variety or Jangali Chichinda) belongs to family Cucurbitaceae is one of the most important ingredients among the other required for the manufacturing or preparing of the aforesaid medicine. The whole plant is reported to cure bronchitis, headache, and boils. The plant leaves are used to cure biliousness also. The plant is reported for its many therapeutic properties like antipyretic, antihelminthic, antiemetic, etc. This raw drug is commercially not available in bulk like other Trichsanthes anguina (long snake gourd). Trichosanthes cucumerina (Jangali Chichinda) still lacking of more cultivation. The scarcity of particular raw drugs affects the timely production of the Bhunimbadi kudineer (Nilavembu kudineer) as a result, the availability of this medicines in the general public in a frequent manner is highly questionable. 

[Trichosanthes cucumerina - small and wild variety]

Now the question is what would be the alternative solution of the plant Trichosanthes cucumerina and how we can prepare the medicine in absence of the that plant without affecting the therapeutic properties?

Here, I have some solutions for the above queries. There is another plant that also belongs to the family - Cucurbitaceae and commonly know as Momordica charantia - wild variety (but not a cultivar variety (Karela - bitter gourd) that fruits are usually being sold in the vegetable market). The Momordica charantia small and wild variety has already picked up the market because of its cultivation in bulk and also easily available in the raw drug trade market but the trade name is Bitter gourd -wild variety is still remaining for identification purposes. This plant also has the same therapeutic properties as stated for the Trichsanthes cucumerina. 

[Momordica charantia - wild variety]

Many manufacturing companies easily using the whole plant of the Momordica charantia, the common vegetable bitter gourd (Karela) in absence of Trichosanthes cucumerina and Momordica charantia - wild variety. I think, using this material is actually not harmful to health but more research requires to prove its therapeutic action of the raw drugs along with other ingredients because much literature supports utility for its roots, leaves and fruits only.  

Note: Dear Readers, the above-given information is purely based on my studies and long experiences. If any queries regarding this blog, please contact me on pdd100@gmail.com OR pdd_100@rediffmail.com. I will be welcoming your suggestion by heart if any.