| Chinese Cucumber |
|---|
Trichosanthes kirilowii
|
| Uses: Medicinal/Poisonous! |
Duration: Annual |
| When to Sow: Spring |
Ease of Germination: Easy |
|
(Gua lou; Tien hua fen; Chinese snake gourd)
Source of anti-HIV agent, Compound Q (GLQ223), extracted from the root. Laboratory studies with Compound Q showed great promise for AIDS treatment because it selectively kills only infected cells, leaving healthy cells untouched; but clinical trials were not conclusive, however. Used in China to treat angina pectoris, to reduce phlegm, and to induce abortions.
|
|