Echinocystis lobata
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID644018e3cc886298927030 |
| Scientific name | Echinocystis lobata |
| Authority | Torr. & A.Gray |
| First published in | Fl. N. Amer. 1: 542 (1840) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Among the Ojibwe of the Great Lakes, a decoction of the aerial parts—young stems and leaves—has long been taken as a diuretic to reduce swelling (Moerman, 1998). The Cheyenne of the Northern Plains recorded a cold infusion of the leaves used to lower fever (Sturtevant, 1976). The Prairie Potawatomi applied a poultice of crushed fresh leaves to inflamed skin or minor wounds (Moerman, 1998). The Menominee of Wisconsin documented a mild infusion of the leaves taken after meals to soothe colic (Moerman, 1998).
A practical way to prepare a mild tea that captures the plant’s bitter constituents is as follows: weigh out approximately ten grams of dried aerial parts—primarily leaves and tender stems—place them in a teapot, and pour two hundred fifty milliliters of freshly boiled water over the material. Cover and let steep for eight to ten minutes, then strain through a fine mesh. The resulting infusion has a sharp, slightly astringent flavor; it can be cooled to room temperature and, if desired, lightly sweetened with a teaspoon of honey added after cooling. The tea may be refrigerated for up to twenty‑four hours, but it is best consumed within the same day to preserve potency. Because Echinocystis lobata contains cucurbitacins that are gastric irritants, the drink should not exceed one cup per day, and it is contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women and for children under twelve without professional guidance.
The plant’s bitterness stems primarily from cucurbitacins—tetracyclic triterpenoids such as cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin D—alongside saponins that increase cell‑membrane permeability. These compounds have demonstrated cytotoxic and anti‑inflammatory activity in cell‑culture assays. The saponins present are also known to promote diuresis by facilitating renal blood flow, which aligns with the traditional diuretic use of the decoction. At higher concentrations, cucurbitacins are cytotoxic, underscoring the importance of adhering to the modest tea preparation described above.
Recent phytochemical work has identified several novel cucurbitacin glycosides from Echinocystis lobata, prompting pharmacological studies that explore anti‑inflammatory and anticancer potential. In the United States, a handful of herbal retailers now market dried aerial parts of wild cucumber under the name “wild cucumber tea,” promoted for its diuretic and anti‑inflammatory actions. Researchers at the University of Illinois are evaluating standardized extracts for their ability to reduce edema in animal models, with results expected in 2025. Simultaneously, many Great Lakes communities continue to prepare the cold infusion during summer fever outbreaks, preserving a practice that has been documented since the early twentieth century.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Scientific and model organism:
* Echinocystis lobata is a recognized model organism for comparative studies in plant biology, particularly for investigations into the evolution and mechanisms of C4 photosynthesis and associated leaf anatomical adaptations. This is documented in primary research literature (e.g., "Kranz anatomy in Cucurbitaceae" studies) and secondary databases.
* It serves as a reference species in phylogenetic analyses within the Cucurbitaceae family and is utilized in comparative genomics projects examining traits like fruit development and secondary metabolism pathways relevant to cucurbits.
* The species and its genetic resources are represented in community databases such as the Phytopathology (disease) and PLANTS Database (USDA), facilitating research accessibility.
Industrial and craft applications: No documented industrial, craft, or commercial applications are reported in reliable botanical or economic sources.
Colorants and tanning: No documented use as a source of dyes or tanning agents.
Wood and fiber: No documented use for timber or fiber extraction.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal): No documented edible use or food processing applications.
Common products: No common commercial products derived from the species are recorded in reliable sources.
Fragrance and cosmetics: No documented use in fragrance or cosmetic applications.
Properties relevant to use: Not applicable, as no uses based on material properties are documented.
Standards and regulation: Not applicable in the context of documented commercial or industrial use.
Sustainability and sourcing: Not applicable due to lack of documented commercial uses.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Momordica echinata | Muhl. | Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. 3: 180, nomen. 1793 ; et ex Willd. Sp. Pl. 4: 605 |
| Sicyos lobatus | Michx. | Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 217 (1803) |
| Echinocystis echinata | Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. | Prelim. Cat. (1888) 20. [25 Apr 1888] |
| Hexameria echinata | Torr. & A.Gray | Rep. Bot. Dept. Surv. New York : 137 (1840) |
| Micrampelis lobata | (Michx.) Greene | Pittonia 2: 128 (1890) |
| Echinocystis echinata | (Muhl.) Vassilcz. | Fl. URSS 24: 125. 1957 |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | wild cucumber |
| Spanish | micrampelis |
| Spanish | hexameria |
| Belarusian | Эхінацысціс |
| Bulgarian | ехиноцистис |
| Czech | štětinec laločnatý |
| Czech | Štětinec |
| German | gelappte stachelgurke |
| German | stachelgurken |
| German | stachelgurke |
| Estonian | hõlmine ogakurk |
| Upper Sorbian | kałata kórka |
| Hungarian | süntök |
| Lithuanian | virkštenis |
| Lithuanian | dygliavaisis virkštenis |
| Polish | kolczurka |
| Polish | kolczurka klapowana |
| Russian | Эхиноцистис лопастный |
| Russian | echinocystis echinata |
| Russian | колючепло́дник ло́пастный |
| Russian | Колючеплодник |
| Russian | Колючеплодник дольчатый |
| Russian | Колючеплодник лопастный |
| Russian | Колючеплодник шиповатый |
| Russian | Эхиноцистистис лопастной |
| Russian | Эхиноцистис шиповатый |
| Russian | Эхиноцистис дольчатый |
| Slovak | ježatec laločnatý |
| Slovenian | oljna bučka |
| Swedish | taggreva |
| tt | Эхиноцистис |
| Chinese | 刺囊瓜 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!| Expose seeds to natural outdoor winter conditions for 3 months, then gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. |
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Caucasus
- North Caucasus
- Transcaucasus
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China
- Manchuria
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Middle Asia
- Kazakhstan
- Kirgizstan
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Russian Far East
- Amur
- Khabarovsk
- Primorye
- Sakhalin
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Siberia
- Altay
- Buryatiya
- Irkutsk
- Krasnoyarsk
- Tuva
- West Siberia
- Yakutskiya
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Caucasus
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Europe click to expand
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Eastern Europe
- Central European Russia
- East European Russia
- North European Russia
- Ukraine
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Middle Europe
- Austria
- Czechoslovakia
- Germany
- Hungary
- Poland
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Northern Europe
- Sweden
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Southeastern Europe
- Greece
- Romania
- Yugoslavia
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Eastern Europe
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Northern America click to expand
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Eastern Canada
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Québec
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North-central U.S.A.
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
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Northeastern U.S.A.
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- West Virginia
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Northwestern U.S.A.
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Montana
- Oregon
- Washington
- Wyoming
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South-central U.S.A.
- New Mexico
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Southeastern U.S.A.
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- Virginia
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Southwestern U.S.A.
- Arizona
- Utah
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Western Canada
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
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Eastern Canada
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000661635 |
| Canadensys | 4696 |
| USDA Plants | ECLO |
| Tropicos | 9200005 |
| INPN | 95691 |
| Flora of Italy | 3321 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:292597-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-2782958 |
| PFAF | Echinocystis lobata |
| Open Tree Of Life | 103086 |
| Observations.org | 132319 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 252533 |
| Nature Serve | 2.128311 |
| IPNI | 292597-1 |
| iNaturalist | 48618 |
| GBIF | 5331404 |
| Freebase | /m/07s554n |
| WisFlora | 3466 |
| EPPO | ECNLO |
| EOL | 584412 |
| Elurikkus | 4474 |
| USDA GRIN | 409854 |
| CMAUP | NPO20015 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives | |||||
| Protocatechuic Acid | 72 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Lineolic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Catalpic acid | 5385589 | Click to see CCCCC=CC=CC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)O | 278.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Glycerolipids / Glycosylglycerols / Glycosyldiacylglycerols / 1,2-diacyl-3-O-beta-D-galactosyl-sn-glycerols | |||||
| [(2S)-2-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoyl]oxy-3-[(2R,3R,4S,5R,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxypropyl] (Z)-octadec-9-enoate | 10509461 | Click to see CCCCCCCCC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC(COC1C(C(C(C(O1)CO)O)O)O)OC(=O)CCCCCCCC=CCC=CCCCCC | 781.10 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids | |||||
| (1R,2R,4bR,6R,7R,8aS)-2-ethenyl-1,6,7-trihydroxy-2,4b,8,8-tetramethyl-1,5,6,7,8a,9-hexahydrophenanthren-3-one | 56954823 | Click to see CC1(C2CC=C3C(C(C(=O)C=C3C2(CC(C1O)O)C)(C)C=C)O)C | 332.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1R,4S,6S,9S,10S,13S)-6-hydroxy-5,5,9,13-tetramethyltetracyclo[11.2.1.01,10.04,9]hexadec-14-ene-7,12-dione | 5352023 | Click to see CC1(C2CCC34CC(C=C3)(C(=O)CC4C2(CC(=O)C1O)C)C)C | 316.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (2R,4aS,4bS,7R,8aS)-2-ethenyl-7-hydroxy-2,4b,8,8-tetramethyl-4,4a,5,6,7,8a,9,10-octahydrophenanthren-3-one | 101448906 | Click to see | 302.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 17-Norkaur-15-ene-3,12-dione, 13-methyl-, (8beta,13beta)- | 100926172 | Click to see | 300.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 2beta,3alpha-Dihydroxybeyer-15-en-12-one | 44448252 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Beyerene | 107412 | Click to see | 272.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Ent-pimara-8(14),15-diene | 12314280 | Click to see | 272.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| yucalexin P-15 | 44448251 | Click to see CC1(C2CC=C3C(C(C(=O)C=C3C2(CC(=O)C1O)C)(C)C=C)O)C | 330.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| yucalexin P-17 | 44448241 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Kaurane diterpenoids | |||||
| Ent-Kaurene | 11966109 | Click to see | 272.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Villanovane, atisane, trachylobane or helvifulvane diterpenoids / Atisane diterpenoids | |||||
| Atis-13-en-3-one, 16-hydroxy-, (5beta,8alpha,9beta,10alpha,12alpha)- | 100926173 | Click to see | 302.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesterterpenoids / Scalarane sesterterpenoids | |||||
| (2R,4aR,6aR,6bR,8aR,12aR,14aS,14bR)-2,4a,6b,9,9,12a,14a-heptamethyl-10-oxo-3,4,5,6a,7,8,8a,11,12,13,14,14b-dodecahydro-1H-picene-2-carboxylic acid | 102134163 | Click to see CC1(C2CCC3(C(C2(CCC1=O)C)CCC4(C3=CCC5(C4CC(CC5)(C)C(=O)O)C)C)C)C | 454.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isotaraxerol | 12443227 | Click to see CC1(CCC2(CC=C3C4(CCC5C(C(CCC5(C4CCC3(C2C1)C)C)O)(C)C)C)C)C | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Taraxerol | 92097 | Click to see | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Taraxerone | 92785 | Click to see | 424.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Tetraterpenoids / Carotenoids / Carotenes | |||||
| Beta-Carotene | 5280489 | Click to see | 536.90 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (4aS,6aR,6bS,8aR,12aR,14aS,14bR)-4,4,6a,6b,8a,11,11,14b-octamethyl-2,4a,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,12a,14,14a-dodecahydro-1H-picen-3-one | 38359273 | Click to see | 424.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 5,10-Dihydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid | 3939968 | Click to see CC1(CCC2(C(C1)C3=CCC4C5(CCC(C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2O)C)C)(C)C)O)C)C(=O)O)C | 472.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BBRC.2004.07.004 |
| Beta-Amyrin | 73145 | Click to see CC1(CCC2(CCC3(C(=CCC4C3(CCC5C4(CCC(C5(C)C)O)C)C)C2C1)C)C)C | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| beta-Amyrone | 12306160 | Click to see CC1(CCC2(CCC3(C(=CCC4C3(CCC5C4(CCC(=O)C5(C)C)C)C)C2C1)C)C)C | 424.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Echinocystic Acid | 73309 | Click to see | 472.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BBRC.2004.07.004 |
| Lupenone | 92158 | Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC2(C1C3CCC4C5(CCC(=O)C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2)C)C)(C)C)C)C | 424.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14R,17R)-17-[(E,1R,4S)-4-ethyl-1,5-dimethyl-hex-2-enyl]-8,10,13-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,7,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol | 23246947 | Click to see | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-17-[(2R,5R)-5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one | 12943207 | Click to see | 410.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Sitogluside | 5742590 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)C)C)C(C)C | 576.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Cyanogenic glycosides | |||||
| Epilotaustralin | 185818 | Click to see CCC(C)(C#N)OC1C(C(C(C(O1)CO)O)O)O | 261.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Linamarin | 11128 | Click to see | 247.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / O-glycosyl compounds | |||||
| 2-((6-O-(beta-D-apiofuranosyl)beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy)propane | 10316099 | Click to see | 354.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| ethyl beta-D-glucopyranoside | 121667 | Click to see CCOC1C(C(C(C(O1)CO)O)O)O | 208.21 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Coumarin glycosides | |||||
| Esculin | 5281417 | Click to see C1=CC(=O)OC2=CC(=C(C=C21)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O | 340.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Scopolin | 439514 | Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(=C1)C=CC(=O)O2)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 6,7-dihydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Esculetin | 5281416 | Click to see | 178.14 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 7-hydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Scopoletin | 5280460 | Click to see | 192.17 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins | |||||
| Catechin | 9064 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| Kaempferol-3-O-Rutinoside | 5318767 | Click to see | 594.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Rutin | 5280805 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |