Some medicinal values of telfairia occidentalis: A review

Several medicinal uses of the fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) in traditional medicine have been documented. Although, many of these claims are yet to be validated by scientific researchers, a review of some investigated therapeutic activities of the plant are highlighted in this article. Experimental works done on Telfairia occidentalis especially in the field of Biochemistry were retrieved via Google search on the internet and studied carefully to identify any therapeutic activity reported on Telfairia occidentalis. It can be inferred that the ability of the plant to combat certain diseases may be due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and its minerals (especially Iron), vitamins (especially vitamin A and C) and high protein contents. We therefore conclude that with further chemical manipulation and clinical investigations numerous drug designs could emerge from the plant. An effort to keep the plant protected and conserved is also advocated. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.