# Indravaruni

> Indravaruni (Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Cucurbitaceae family. Not approved by US FDA for OTC use; recognized in Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopoeias with mandatory purification (Shodhana) requirements; no WHO monograph endorsing safety.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.
- **Family:** Cucurbitaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not approved by US FDA for OTC use; recognized in Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopoeias with mandatory purification (Shodhana) requirements; no WHO monograph endorsing safety

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Indravaruni |
| Latin/Botanical | *Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Cucurbitacin E
- Cucurbitacin B
- Cucurbitacin I
- Colocynthoside A and B
- Colocynthin (glycoside)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Isovitexin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isovitexin)
- Caffeic acid

## How does it work?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/): [Cucurbitacins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cucurbitacins) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) stimulate insulin secretion, enhance [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) uptake in peripheral tissues, and inhibit alpha-glucosidase
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/): Cucurbitacin B and E inhibit STAT3 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling, induce G2/M cell cycle arrest, and activate caspase-mediated apoptosis
- Purgative: Colocynthin glycoside stimulates colonic motility through irritation of intestinal mucosa

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antidiabetic use validated through multiple preclinical studies showing alpha-glucosidase inhibition and improved insulin sensitivity
- Purgative use (Virechana) validated but requires strict dose control; traditional Ayurvedic Shodhana (purification) process reduces toxicity
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed by cucurbitacin-mediated suppression of NF-kB and pro-inflammatory cytokine production

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Cheng X, Qin M, Chen R and others 2023. [Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.: A Promising Pharmaceutical Resource for Multiple Diseases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37687049/). *Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [37687049](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37687049/) · [doi:10.3390/molecules28176221](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176221)  
  Comprehensive review of biological activities particularly in antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), insecticidal, and antibacterial applications.
- Li QY, Munawar M, Saeed M and others 2021. [Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (Bitter Apple Fruit): Promising Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Effects, Aspects, and Potential Applications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35145403/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [35145403](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35145403/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.791049](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.791049)  
  Documented broad spectrum therapeutic properties; identified cucurbitacins as principal bioactive agents with significant anticancer mechanism through STAT3 and JAK inhibition.
- Alemseged NM, Ibrahim MA, Sheikabdullahi MA 2025. [Colocynth induced multiorgan toxicity: a case report](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41088384/). *Journal of medical case reports*. PMID [41088384](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41088384/) · [doi:10.1186/s13256-025-05542-2](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05542-2)  
  Case report documenting multiorgan dysfunction (hepatorenal, gastrointestinal) from high-dose colocynth ingestion, emphasizing need for dose-controlled use.

## Recent safety updates

- UNSAFE when taken by mouth in uncontrolled doses; cucurbitacins cause severe GI irritation, bloody diarrhea, kidney damage; banned by US FDA in 1991 for OTC [laxative](/reference/laxative/) use
- High doses can cause multiorgan toxicity (hepatorenal failure, electrolyte disturbance, hypoglycemia); must only be used in processed Ayurvedic preparations (Shodhita) under strict practitioner supervision

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Taila (oil for external application)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g fruit powder (use with caution due to purgative action); 250-500mg extract; external oil as directed

**Bioavailability:** Citrullus colocynthis contains cucurbitacins (potent cytotoxic [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids)) with good oral absorption due to lipophilicity. Colocynthin glycoside is hydrolyzed in GI tract to active aglycone. Narrow therapeutic index; precise dosing is critical. Bioavailability enhancement is not typically sought given potency and toxicity concerns.

**Optimal Timing:** Under physician supervision only; typically at bedtime for purgative action; externally as needed for joint pain

**Standardized Extract:** Shodhita (purified) aqueous extract; cucurbitacin B/E standardized extract for research purposes only (not for general supplementation)

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (Shodhita powder); 3 years (purified extract capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep away from children. Clearly labeled as toxic substance requiring professional guidance.

**Marker Compounds:** Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Colocynthin, Colocynthetin, Citrullol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional, milder)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for cucurbitacin-enriched fraction
- Petroleum ether extraction for lipophilic compounds
- Shodhana (detoxification) processing mandatory before internal use

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) (castor oil) for purgative formulations
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) to modulate inflammation
- With [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for regulated bowel cleansing

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/indravaruni/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.