Jump to content

Cyclanthera pedata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Caigua
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cyclanthera
Species:
C. pedata
Binomial name
Cyclanthera pedata
(L.) Schrader
Synonyms[1]
  • Anguria pedatisecta Nees & Mart. [Spelling variant]
  • Anguria pedisecta Nees & Mart.
  • Apodanthera pedisecta (Nees & Mart.) Cogn.
  • Cyclanthera digitata Arn.
  • Cyclanthera edulis Naudin ex Huber
  • Momordica pedata L.

Cyclanthera pedata, known as caigua, is a herbaceous vine grown for its edible fruit, which is predominantly used as a vegetable. It is known from cultivation only, and its use goes back many centuries as evidenced by ancient phytomorphic ceramics from Peru depicting the fruits.

Origin and distribution

[edit]

Not known in the wild, but presumably native to the Andes where it has been traditionally cultivated.[2]

Biology

[edit]

C. pedata is an annual climbing plant with vines that can reach up to 4.5 meters in height[3][4][5]. It has a thin stem and palmate leaves that are 10-12 cm wide[3][4][5]. The small, unisexual flowers range from white to light green and are located at the leaf axils[3][5]. The light green fruits are ovoid, curved, and can grow up to 20 cm in length[3][4][6].

Description

[edit]

Cyclanthera pedata is a vine that can be 12 m long; the stems are thin; and the leaves can be up to 24 cm long, palmate or pedate in shape.[2] The small flowers can be greenish or white and are borne in racemes.[2] The fruit is light green, ovoid, curved, up to 15 cm long, almost hollow (except for the seeds and a thin flesh layer), with smooth skin or sometimes covered in soft spines; the seeds are black.[2][7]

Flowers.

Cultivation

[edit]

Cyclanthera pedata is grown at small scale farming in mountain areas of Mexico, Central America and South America.[2] It is sometimes cultivated in Asia.[2]

Climate & Soil

[edit]

Cyclanthera pedata flourishes in cool to moderate temperatures ranging from 12–27°C. Though it can be grown at altitudes up to 2000 m.a.s.l.[8], the plant is sensitive to frost. It thrives in direct sunlight (at least 6-8h/day)[9] and similarly to other Cucurbitaceae requires regular irrigation.[citation needed]

The ideal soil pH for C. pedata is between 6.0 and 7.0. Additionally, the plant grows best in deep, well-drained soils and does not tolerate saline soils[4][6]. Planting time varies depending on regional environmental conditions, but for optimal seed germination, a temperature range of 15-20°C is recommended[4][6].

Sowing & Planting

[edit]

As Caigua is a climbing vine, trellising is crucial for support. This can be done either by plastic nets or horizontal wires.[8]

Harvest

[edit]

Immature fruits are harvested 70–90 days after sowing (mid June/July), and mature fruits at 100–120 days (August). Harvest is usually done by hand.[10]

Pests and Diseases

[edit]

The main insect pests affecting C. pedata are aphids (Aphis gossypii), fruit flies (Bactrocera cucurbitae), and the red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis)[4]. Several diseases also impact C. pedata, including anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum), fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea), downy mildew (Peronospora destructor), and mosaic disease (Potyvirus)[4]. The fungus Geotrichum candidum may cause post-harvest losses[11].

Vernacular names

[edit]

Known in the Andes as caigua[12] or caihua[12] (possibly from Quechua kaywa);[13] also as achocha[12] (possibly from Quechua achuqcha).[13] In English it is named stuffing cucumber or slipper gourd.[2] In Costa Rica it is called Jaiva. In Darjeeling, India, it is called Chuchay Karela. In Chinese, it is known as 小雀瓜.

Uses

[edit]

Food

[edit]

The fruits are eaten after removing the seeds. Young fruits can be eaten fresh, added to salads, sautéed, or served as a side dish. Mature fruits are typically stuffed with meats, fish, or cheese and can be fried, breaded, or baked.[14]Young shoots and leaves can also be eaten as greens.[2] The fruits are a source of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.[15] Fruit flavor is similar to cucumber crossed with green bean or otherwise tasteless.[2][7]

Caigua[16][15]
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy17 kcal (71 kJ)
4 g
Dietary fiber0.7 g
0.1 g
0.6 g
Vitamins and minerals
VitaminsQuantity
%DV
Thiamine (B1)
3%
0.04 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
3%
0.04 mg
Niacin (B3)
2%
0.3 mg
Vitamin C
16%
14 mg
MineralsQuantity
%DV
Calcium
1%
14 mg
Iron
1%
0.21 mg
Magnesium
2%
8.4 mg
Phosphorus
2%
26 mg
Potassium
5%
152 mg
Sodium
0%
0.91 mg
Other constituentsQuantity
Water94.1 %
Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[17] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[18]

Chemistry

[edit]

The fruits contain flavonoid glycosides[19] of which four show an antioxidant effect.[20]

Caigua fruits generally exhibit high antioxidant activity but a low total phenolic content, which indicates that non-phenolic water-soluble compounds might be involved.[21] Flavonoids are present in this cyclanthera species, which have antioxidant properties as well and were shown that with a high intake are correlated to a decrease in heart disease.[19]

Fruit in half showing seeds.

Dried samples of caigua showed α-amylase inhibition and relevant ACE inhibitory activities.[21] The anticholesterolemic activity of caigua was confirmed, promoting cholesterol metabolism and bile acids synthesis in a hepatic cell model, with the extract showing novel choleretic activity.[22]

A negative aspect of caigua is, that the seeds contain a group of trypsin inhibitors, which negatively affect protein absorption.[23]

Other chemicals in the Caigua include triterpenoid saponins and the seeds have been reported with six cucurbitacin glycosides.[24] as well as 28-30 amino acids.[23]

Medicinal Applications

[edit]

Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata) has been traditionally used in South American folk medicine for its alleged anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic effects, particularly in the management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.[25] It is believed to be effective against atherosclerosis, circulation problems, and is used as an analgesic. Infusions made from Caigua are commonly consumed to help control hypertension and improve cholesterol levels.[26] In post-menopausal women, daily oral doses of dehydrated Caigua fruit have been shown to significantly reduce serum cholesterol. [27]

Archaeology

[edit]
Moche culture ceramic depicting caiguas.

The Moche culture often depicted this species in their ceramics.[28] Remains of this species have also been found buried in archaeological sites on the Peruvian coast.[29]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 8 May 2016
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Janick, Jules; Paull, Robert E. (2008). The Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts. CABI. p. 299. ISBN 9780851996387.
  3. ^ a b c d NIETO, DDC; ARECHE, FO; CHIRRE, ETC; MENACHO, JUR; TANTALEAN, HEC; BARTOLOME, HJC; SUMARRIVA-BUSTINZA, LA; ZELA-PAYI, NO; ANGOMA, AP; CAMPOSANO-CORDOVA, AI; MALLMA, NES; SOLANO, MAQ; FLORES, DDC; MAMANI, RAA; CAJAVILCA, HLV (2023-10-31). "Use of Cytokinins and Composting to Improve the Agronomic and Physiological Traits of Caigua (Cyclanthera Pedata L.)". SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics. 55 (5): 1641–1653. doi:10.54910/sabrao2023.55.5.17. ISSN 1029-7073.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Rana, M.K.; Vilas, Chandanshive Aniket (2017-10-02), "Stuffing Cucumber", Vegetable Crops Science, CRC Press, pp. 507–514, doi:10.1201/9781315116204-56, ISBN 978-1-315-11620-4, retrieved 2024-12-01
  5. ^ a b c Zuccolo, Marco; Pedrali, Davide; Leoni, Valeria; Borgonovo, Gigliola; Bassoli, Angela; Giorgi, Annamaria; Giupponi, Luca (2023-01-12). "Characterization of an Italian landrace of Cyclanthera pedata (L.) Schrad. of herbal and horticultural interest". Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 70 (5): 1455–1469. doi:10.1007/s10722-022-01514-3. ISSN 0925-9864.
  6. ^ a b c Montoro, Paola; Molfetta, Ilaria; Maldini, Mariateresa; Ceccarini, Lucia; Piacente, Sonia; Pizza, Cosimo; Macchia, Mario (November 2013). "Determination of six steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) from different geographical origin by LC–ESI–MS/MS". Food Chemistry. 141 (2): 745–753. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.03.041. ISSN 0308-8146. PMID 23790843.
  7. ^ a b Brücher, Heinz (2012). Useful Plants of Neotropical Origin: and Their Wild Relatives. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 265. ISBN 9783642733130.
  8. ^ a b Pertuzé, R.; Baginsky, C.; Medina, C.; Bello, M.; Araya, A. (2018). "A South American forgotten vegetable: Cyclanthera pedata (L.) Schrad, a contribution to its agronomic management". Acta Hortic. 1297 (1297): 37-42. doi:10.17660/ActaHortic.2020.1297.6.
  9. ^ "Cyclanthera pedata Cultivation". Agrownet. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  10. ^ J. Janick, R. E. Paull. The Encyclopedia of Fruit & Nuts. UK: CAB International 2008. p. 954. ISBN 978-0-85199-638-7.
  11. ^ CABI (2022-01-07). Cyclanthera pedata (Report). doi:10.1079/cabicompendium.113710.
  12. ^ a b c Innovation, National Research Council (U S. ) Advisory Committee on Technology (1989). Lost Crops of the Incas: Little-known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation. National Academies. pp. 206–207.
  13. ^ a b "Diccionario: Quechua - Español - Quechua, Simi Taqe: Qheswa - Español - Qheswa" (PDF). Diccionario Quechua - Español - Quechua. Gobierno Regional del Cusco, Perú: Academía Mayor de la Lengua Quechua. 2005. see: achoqcha
  14. ^ Frigerio, Jessica; Tedesco, Erik; Benetti, Federico; Insolia, Violetta; Nicotra, Giovanna; Mezzasalma, Valerio; Pagliari, Stefania; Labra, Massimo; Campone, Luca (23 November 2021). "Anticholesterolemic Activity of Three Vegetal Extracts (Artichoke, Caigua, and Fenugreek) and Their Unique Blend". Frontiers in Pharmacology. 12. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.726199. PMC 8650624. PMID 34887750.
  15. ^ a b Oliveira, Adriana Caires; Dos Santos, Vitor Silva; Dos Santos, Debora Correia; Carvalho, Rosemary Duarte Sales; Souza, Anderson Santos; Ferreira, Sergio Luis Costa (2014). "Determination of the mineral composition of Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata) and evaluation using multivariate analysis". Food Chemistry. 152: 619–623. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.12.022. PMID 24444984.
  16. ^ Rubatzky, V. E., & Yamaguchi, M. (1997). World Vegetables: Principles, Production, and Nutritive Values (2nd ed.). Springer. p. 811
  17. ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  18. ^ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee to Review the Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (2019). Oria, Maria; Harrison, Meghan; Stallings, Virginia A. (eds.). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. The National Academies Collection: Reports funded by National Institutes of Health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US). ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. Archived from the original on 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-06-21.[page needed]
  19. ^ a b Carbone, Virginia; Montoro, Paola; De Tommasi, Nunziatina; Pizza, Cosimo (2004). "Analysis of flavonoids from Cyclanthera pedata fruits by liquid chromatography/Electrospray mass spectrometry". Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 34 (2): 295–304. doi:10.1016/S0731-7085(03)00580-6. PMID 15013143.
  20. ^ Montoro, Paola; Carbone, Virginia; De Simone, Francesco; Pizza, Cosimo; De Tommasi, Nunziatina (2001). "Studies on the Constituents of Cyclanthera pedata Fruits: Isolation and Structure Elucidation of New Flavonoid Glycosides and Their Antioxidant Activity". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 49 (11): 5156–5160. Bibcode:2001JAFC...49.5156M. doi:10.1021/jf010318q. PMID 11714296.
  21. ^ a b Ranilla, Lena Galvez; Kwon, Young-In; Apostolidis, Emmanouil; Shetty, Kalidas (2010). "Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia and hypertension of commonly used medicinal plants, herbs and spices in Latin America". Bioresource Technology. 101 (12): 4676–4689. Bibcode:2010BiTec.101.4676R. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2010.01.093. PMID 20185303.
  22. ^ Frigerio, Jessica; Tedesco, Erik; Benetti, Federico; Insolia, Violetta; Nicotra, Giovanna; Mezzasalma, Valerio; Pagliari, Stefania; Labra, Massimo; Campone, Luca (2021). "Anticholesterolemic Activity of Three Vegetal Extracts (Artichoke, Caigua, and Fenugreek) and Their Unique Blend". Frontiers in Pharmacology. 12. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.726199. hdl:10281/346431. PMC 8650624. PMID 34887750.
  23. ^ a b Kowalska, Jolanta; Zabłocka, Agnieszka; Wilusz, Tadeusz (2006). "Isolation and primary structures of seven serine proteinase inhibitors from Cyclanthera pedata seeds". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects. 1760 (7): 1054–1063. doi:10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.03.011. PMID 16635550.
  24. ^ De Tommasi, Nunziatina; De Simone, Francesco; Speranza, Giovanna; Pizza, Cosimo (1996). "Studies on the Constituents of Cyclanthera pedata (Caigua) Seeds: Isolation and Characterization of Six New Cucurbitacin Glycosides". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 44 (8): 2020–2025. Bibcode:1996JAFC...44.2020D. doi:10.1021/jf950532c.
  25. ^ Cruz Nieto, D. D.; Castañeda Chirre, E. T.; Castro Bartolomé, H. J.; Legua Cárdenas, J. A.; Nunja García, J. V.; Vélez Chang, Y. J.; Luque Vilca, O. M.; Ito Díaz, R. R.; Calizaya Llatasi, F. G.; Leon Gomez, R.; Maldonado Mamani, R. A. (2023). "Comparative study of the doses of cytokinin in the quality of caigua (Cyclanthera pedata L.) in Peru". Brazilian Journal of Biology. 83: e275635. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.275635. PMID 38126635.
  26. ^ Orsini, Francesca; Vovk, Irena; Glavnik, Vesna; Jug, Urška; Corradini, Danilo (15 June 2019). "HPTLC, HPTLC-MS/MS and HPTLC-DPPH methods for analyses of flavonoids and their antioxidant activity in Cyclanthera pedata leaves, fruits and dietary supplement". Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies. 42 (9–10): 290–301. doi:10.1080/10826076.2019.1585630.
  27. ^ Orsini, Francesca; Vovk, Irena; Glavnik, Vesna; Jug, Urška; Corradini, Danilo (15 June 2019). "HPTLC, HPTLC-MS/MS and HPTLC-DPPH methods for analyses of flavonoids and their antioxidant activity in Cyclanthera pedata leaves, fruits and dietary supplement". Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies. 42 (9–10): 290–301. doi:10.1080/10826076.2019.1585630.
  28. ^ Berrin, K. & Larco Museum (1997). The Spirit of Ancient Peru: Treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera. Thames and Hudson, New York.
  29. ^ Nelson, Kit; Bellido Cerda, Enrique (2010). "Evidence of Botanical Diversity and Species Continuity from Chancay Sites in The Huaura Valley, Peru1". Economic Botany. 64 (1): 46–54. doi:10.1007/s12231-010-9112-5. ISSN 0013-0001. S2CID 39335626.