Evidence supporting the use of: Bottle gourd
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda and other folk healing systems in South Asia. Traditionally, the pulp, juice, and sometimes seeds of bottle gourd have been applied topically or consumed to support skin health, with claims that the vegetable's cooling, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties help soothe skin irritations, acne, and rashes. Some traditional texts also mention its use in treating minor skin infections and promoting a clear complexion.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Available studies focus mostly on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bottle gourd extracts when evaluated in vitro or in animal models. These properties could theoretically provide some benefit for skin health by reducing oxidative stress or inflammation, but direct clinical trials on humans for skin care outcomes are lacking. There are no robust, peer-reviewed human studies specifically assessing the efficacy of bottle gourd for treating or supporting general skin care. Therefore, while traditional practices endorse its use, and preliminary data on bioactive compounds exist, scientific evidence remains weak.
In summary, the use of bottle gourd for skin care is primarily rooted in tradition, with a low but nonzero level of supporting evidence from modern scientific studies on its general bioactivity, rather than direct clinical efficacy for skin health.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Bottle gourd
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Cholesterol (high)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin Care (general)
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores