Bitter gourd: 2 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Ayurveda
Biology
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Introduction:

Bitter gourd means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, biology. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Ayurveda (science of life)

Agriculture (Krishi) and Vrikshayurveda (study of Plant life)

Source: Asian Agri-History: Drumavichitrikaranam—The Ancient Approach to Plant Mutagenesis

Bitter gourd (identified with Momordica charantia) was used in the process of organic plant mutagenesis by ancient Indian agriculturists, which presents a safe technology and methodology regarding organic agriculture, according to treatises (such as the Vrikshayurveda). One such technology was to produce flowers and fruits on other species of plants and trees: The term drumavichitrikaranam (“plant mutagenesis”) obtains its true meaning in the literal sense through this objective. Some of them are described in the Upavanavinoda of Śārṅgadhara: such as to grow Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) fruits on Ricinus communis (castor plant).

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Biology (plants and animals)

Source: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)

Bitter gourd in English is the name of a plant defined with Momordica charantia in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Sicyos fauriei H. Lév. (among others).

Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):

· Florae Fluminensis Icon. (1831)
· Memorias de la Real Academia de Ciencias y Artes de Barcelona (1916)
· Garcia de Orta, Série de Botânica (1976)
· Ceylon Journal of Science, Biological Sciences (1995)
· Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden (2001)
· Herbarium Amboinense (Linn.) (1754)

If you are looking for specific details regarding Bitter gourd, for example side effects, extract dosage, chemical composition, pregnancy safety, health benefits, diet and recipes, have a look at these references.

context information

This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.

Relevant text

Search found 15 books and stories containing Bitter gourd; (plurals include: Bitter gourds). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Antimicrobial and antifungal effects of chili, papaya, tomatoes, gourd. < [2015: Volume 4, February issue 2]

Nutritional benefits of year-round veggies and quick fruit trees in Bangladesh. < [2015: Volume 4, December issue 12]

Comparative medicinal value of Momordica charantia and endophytes < [2014: Volume 3, November issue 9]

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