Therapeutic Effects of Seeni Kekiri (Cucumis sativus L.)

Seeni Kekiri (Cucumis sativus L.) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. In Tamil, it is known as Wathakai Palam. It is naturally grown in many parts of Sri Lanka. Predominately, it is grown mostly in Wet Zone and scattered in some home gardens. A variety of traditional recipes are available for preparing Seeni Kekiri. For example, it is consumed as ripe fresh fruit as well as various processed products such as juice. Seeni Kekiri juice is a popular beverage among Dry Zone people in Sri Lanka to quench the thirsty. Moreover, it can be cooked or used for salad preparation. Previous studies proved that Seeni Kekiri has many important phytochemicals such as glycosides, flavones, terpinoids, phytosterol, saponins and anolignan  B,  tannins,  ellargic  acid,  glucose, fructose. 

Seeni Kakiri is widely used in Ayurveda medicine. For example, it was already used in ancient times to dissolve stones caused by uric acid and to prevent urinary tract infections. In addition to that, their cleansing effect on the intestines, kidney, lung and skins was also known. It also contains a   substance,   which stimulates the blood circulation of the skin.  It is for this reason that it is widely used in cosmetics. Moreover, aqueous extracts of Seeni Kekiri has a proper efficacy on wound healing. Further, it is used in the treatment of gastric ulcer, constipation, general debility, piles. 

In conclusion, based on ancient medicine revealed that Seeni Kekiri is an important   medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological spectrum. Hence, this local plant provides a substantial role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Further research needs  to  be carried  out  in  order  to  explore  the  concealed areas  and  they are practical  clinical  applications, which   can   be   used   for   the   well-being of mankind.

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References

Tropical fruits of Sri Lanka, Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka

Ayurveda Plant Data Base: http://www.instituteofayurveda.org/plants/plants_detail.php?i=362&s=Local_name

Mallik  J. & Akhte R. (2012). Phytochemical Screening and In-vitro Evaluation of   Reducing Power, Cytotoxicity and Anti-Fungal Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Cucumis sativus. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives, 3(3): 555-560.