Fruit - cooked [301 ]. They are first boiled in several changes of water to remove a bitter principle, and then made into pickles and preserves[301 ]. The fruit is 5 - 8cm in diameter [284 ]. Seed - cooked[301 ]. Eaten roasted or ground into a meal and used to make chapattis [301 ]. The desert Bedouin are said to make a type of bread from the ground seeds. Some confusion exists between this species and the closely related watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb)), whose seeds may be used in much the same way. In particular, the name "egusi" may refer to either or both plants (or more generically to other cucurbits) in their capacity as seed crops, or for a soup made from these seeds and popular in West Africa. The seed flour is rich in micronutrients, and could therefore be used in food formulations especially in regions with low milk consumption, such as West Africa. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[301 ]. The seeds yield is about 6.7-10 t/ha, which means that for an oil profit of 31-47%, oil yields may reach up to 3 t/ha. Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: protein-oil (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world) [1-1].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The dried, unripe fruit pulp constitutes the drug 'colocynth', which is a very strong laxative[200 , 284 ]. It is also used as an antirheumatic, anthelmintic, hydrogogue, and as a remedy for skin infections[46 , 310 ]. The fruits and seeds are used in the treatment of diabetes[1314 ]. The roots have purgative properties and are used in the treatment of jaundice, rheumatism and urinary diseases[284 ]. Some caution should be employed in the use of this remedy, see the notes above on toxicity.

The seeds contain 30 - 34% of a pale yellow oil, which contains an alkaloid, a glucoside and a saponin[284]. Carbon Farming Solutions - Other Systems: strip intercrop (Crops grown for non-food uses. Industrial crops provide resources in three main categories: materials, chemicals, and energy. Traditional materials include lumber and thatch, paper and cardboard, and textiles) [1-1].

Special Uses