Anti-Viral, and Anti-Tumor Properties of Cucurbits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11906182
Cucurbits in West Africa used to kill Viral and gastrointestinal illnesses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15588650
Floridian Cucurbits demonstrating strong antiviral properties
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722788/
12 page Cucurbitaneae study demonstrating the extensive pharmacological efficacy of plants under this family:
http://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPPR/8/...,Article19.pdf
anti-HIV, anxiolytic, antipyretic, anti-diarrhoeal, carminative, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, laxative, anthelmintic, antitubercular, purgative and hepatoprotective. It is also
employed as an abortificient, diuretic, and cardiotonic
agent. They also show strong anti-inflammatory,
antitussive, cytotoxic, and expectorant properties. Apart
from biological profile Cucurbitaceae family posses many
therapeutically important chemical constituents which
required further research to explore the medicinal value
of this species. Seeds or fruit parts of some cucurbits
are reported to possess purgative, emetic and
antihelmintic properties due to the secondary
metabolite cucurbitacin content. A number of
compounds of this group have been investigated for
their cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and
cardiovascular effects. Nevertheless some of the plants in
this family need further study so that new biomolecules
can be isolated and identified and ultimately one can
develop new phytopharmaceutical agents which may be
used as such or as a lead compound for synthesis and
modification. The research and development of herbal
formulation is highly relevant as it may be less toxic and
can be used for mono or co-therapy with other drugs. The
ultimate aim of all medical and pharmacological research
is to cure diseases to maintain the health of the individual
and to improve the quality of life.