Luffa operculata
Luffa operculata (common name, sponge cucumber, wild loofa or mướp xơ in Vietnamese) is a species of Luffa. It is cultivated for its fruit, which when fully ripe is strongly fibrous and is used as a fibrous scrubbing sponge for household cleaning. The fruit is a capsule with spikes. The fruit is dark-brown when mature. It is also grown in gardens and yards as an ornamental plant. In colder places they can be grown indoors as a houseplant.
| Luffa operculata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dried fruit, opened | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus: | Luffa |
| Species: | L. operculata |
| Binomial name | |
| Luffa operculata | |
The species name is derived from the word, operculum, meaning "little lid." When the fruits are mature, and the seeds are ready to be dispersed, a small part of the bottom tip (blossom end) opens up. Then, the seeds fall to the ground.
Luffa is used as an herbal remedy, with some pharmacological activity found in animal tests and insufficient data proving effectiveness in humans.[1] Its use in pseudoscientific homeopathy is diluted many times, with insufficient material to produce any effect, is considered a scam.[2]
References
- "Luffa Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database". Drugs.com. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
- "FTC Issues Enforcement Policy Statement Regarding Marketing Claims for Over-the-Counter Homeopathic Drugs". Federal Trade Commission. 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
