Citrullus colocynth (L.) Schrad: A Promising Medicinal Plant with Health Benefits and Safety Considerations "A Comprehensive Review"

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Citrullus colocynths (L.) Schrad is an important cucurbitaceous plant that is widespread in sandy regions of the world. Citrullus colocynth (L.) Schrad. It is widespread in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Citrullus colocynth (L.) Schrad is widely used in African and Asian folk medicine and is known as a fascinating plant for ethnopharmacological purposes. It is used in the treatment of numerous diseases, including dermatological, gynecological, pulmonary infections, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, diabetes, joint pain, constipation, jaundice, colds, leprosy, and gastrointestinal diseases. The plant Citrulluscolocynth (L.) Schrad contains active secondary metabolites such as phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and essential oils that exhibit properties for a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antilipidemic and insecticidal. However, high doses and prolonged oral administration of Citrulluscolocynth (L.) Schrad has been associated with decreased body weight, increased white blood cell counts, and destruction of the gastric mucosa. Histological changes such as superficial loss of the protective epithelium of the gastric mucosa, atrophy of the gastric mucosal cells, and thickening of the connective tissue of the mucosa were also observed. Citrulluscolocynth (L.) Schrad has numerous pharmacological and physiological functions. It has very useful applications in the treatment of various human ailments. Therefore, the main objective of this comprehensive study is to provide an overview of the findings on the beneficial effects and risks of Citrulluscolocynth (L.) Schrad consumption on human health.