|
Tayuya
( Cayaponia tayuya )
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Synonyms
Ka-moo-ka, yu-wish, mum-te-ka (
Cayaponia varieties )
Character
Antiseptic
Description
Tayuya is a member of the gourd
family which includes some 90 genera and over 700 different species. This
family, also called Cayaponia, consists of woody climbers which are
distributed in the tropical Americas, tropical West Africa, Madagascar, and
Indonesia. Fruit born by this species is berry-like and is often consumed as
food. Pumpkins and squash also belong to this family.
Phytochemistry
The content of tayuya plants
consists of alkaloids ( in some varieties ), cucurbitacins, saponins,
sterols, phenolics and tetracyclic triterpenes. ( NOTE: Cucurbitacins have
been isolated from Cayaponia tayuya which are considered
growth-regulating compounds )
Traditional rain forest use
The Tikunas traditionally chop
the fruit of this plant, boil it and make a special tea for liver ailments.
The leaves and tender stems are also dried and powdered and used as an
insecticide inside clothing and bedding. The green bark of the vine portions
of the plant are used to make an eyewash for conjunctivitis, one of the most
prevalent disease in northwest Amazonian regions. Korans burn the plant
stems and apply the ashes on sores to promote healing. The seeds of tayuya
are prepared and used as a starchy food.
Modern medicinal applications
None recorded; however, this herb
is now appearing in health supplements as part of herbal combinations.
Authentication
Cucurbitacins have been
successfully isolated from this particular member of the Cayaponia
species.
Safety
No information available. |
