Sponge Gourd: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Sanskrit: देवदालीफल Botanical: Luffa echinata Roxb.

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Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Saponins, Cucurbitacins
Also Known As
English: Bristly Luffa Fruit
Sanskrit: देवदालीफल
Hindi: देवदाली के फल

What is Sponge Gourd (Devadali fruits / देवदाली फल)?

The fruit properties of Devadali are described separately. The fruits are used in specific formulations for jaundice, spleen disorders, and as a strong purgative. They should be used with caution due to their potent emetic and purgative actions. Used in Spastic constipation and Irritable colon (Colitis). Dose: 4-12 ratti.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Sara (laxative)
  • Pittahara (pacifies Pitta)
  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 9

How to Use Sponge Gourd by Condition

Explore how Sponge Gourd is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

Classical Text References (1 sources)

References in Charaka Samhita

This chapter describes 60 pharmaceutical preparations of Dhamargava (sponge gourd, Luffa cylindrica) for emetic therapy.

— Charaka Samhita, Pharmaceutical Preparations of Dhamargava (Dhamargava Kalpa Adhyaya / धामार्गवकल्प अध्याय)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Pharmaceutical Preparations of Dhamargava (Dhamargava Kalpa Adhyaya / धामार्गवकल्प अध्याय)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.