Chinese Cucumber

Scientific Name(s): Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.
Common Name(s): Chinese cucumber, Chinese snake gourd, Compound Q, Gua-lou, Radix trichosanthis, Tian-hua-fen, Tolidostena japonica

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 24, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Chinese cucumber root extract has been traditionally used to induce abortion. Antiviral activity and potential application in cancer therapy is being investigated; however, a lack of clinical trials and toxicity of the plant’s root limit use.

Dosing

In traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese cucumber is most commonly administered as part of a polyherbal preparation. In a clinical trial in HIV patients, trichosanthin 1.2 mg intravenously (IV) weekly, then monthly, was used. In another study, the plant seeds (20 g of seed kernels per day for 28 days) were eaten as a dietary source of conjugated linolenic acid.

Contraindications

Pregnancy.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Extracts of the root possess abortifacient activity and are toxic to the fetus.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Available published clinical studies are limited. However, one trial reported myalgia, fever, elevated liver function tests, and mild to moderate anaphylactic reactions.

Toxicology

Extracts of the Chinese cucumber are extremely toxic (death has occurred), particularly with parenteral use.

Scientific Family

• Cucurbitaceae (cucumber)

Botany

The Chinese cucumber is one of more than 40 recognized species of Trichosanthes, including the snake or serpent gourd, Trichosanthes cucumerina. It is a member of the gourd family, and the root, fruit, seeds, stems, and peel have been traditionally used. While T. kirilowii is the plant of this species most often referred to in Chinese Materia Medica, a number of related species are often used as adulterants.1, 2

History

T. kirilowii has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used to reduce fever, swelling, and cough. A starch extracted from the root is used for abscesses, amenorrhea, jaundice, and polyuria. Modern Chinese medicinal uses include the management of diabetes and use as an abortifacient. The plant has been used for centuries in the treatment of tumors.2, 3

Chemistry

The most studied component of T. kirilowii is the protein trichosanthin, which is found in the root of the plant. At least 2 ribosome-inactivating proteins, the trichosanthins, have been identified (sometimes referred to as "compound Q"), with T. kirilowii appearing to have the highest content. A highly purified form of trichosanthin has been investigated under the name GLQ-223. The trichosanthins possess abortifacient activity and are toxic to the fetus. The plant seeds contain hydroxylated sterols, fatty acids, and lignans.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Uses and Pharmacology

Antiviral

Animal data

Studies in rats and guinea pigs demonstrated antiviral activity of trichosanthin.9 In vitro studies demonstrated activity against herpes simplex virus, HIV, and hepatitis B.10, 11 In vitro studies to determine potential applications are ongoing.12

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