Sponge Gourd: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Sanskrit: देवदालीफल • Botanical: Luffa echinata Roxb.

Last updated:

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Saponins, Cucurbitacins
Also Known As
English: Bristly Luffa Fruit
Sanskrit: देवदालीफल
Hindi: देवदाली के फल

What is Sponge Gourd (Devadali fruits / देवदाली फल)?

The fruit properties of Devadali are described separately. The fruits are used in specific formulations for jaundice, spleen disorders, and as a strong purgative. They should be used with caution due to their potent emetic and purgative actions. Used in Spastic constipation and Irritable colon (Colitis). Dose: 4-12 ratti.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Sara (laxative)
  • Pittahara (pacifies Pitta)
  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 9

How to Use Sponge Gourd by Condition

Explore how Sponge Gourd is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)

References in Charaka Samhita

This chapter describes 60 pharmaceutical preparations of Dhamargava (sponge gourd, Luffa cylindrica) for emetic therapy.

— Charaka Samhita, Pharmaceutical Preparations of Dhamargava (Dhamargava Kalpa Adhyaya / धामार्गवकल्प अध्याय)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Pharmaceutical Preparations of Dhamargava (Dhamargava Kalpa Adhyaya / धामार्गवकल्प अध्याय)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.