Luffa operculata is a plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. In some cultures, young luffa fruits are eaten as vegetables.
Traditionally, an infusion from the dried fruit is taken into the nose, where it causes the release of mucus, thereby relieving many nasal symptoms.
Well-designed clinical trials in support of Luffa operculata for any use are lacking. Further research is required.
Adler, M. Efficacy and safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis. Adv.Ther. 1999;16(2):103-111. View Abstract
Kawahara, N., Kurata, A., Hakamatsuka, T., Sekita, S., and Satake, M. Two novel cucurbitacins, neocucurbitacins A and B, from the Brazilian folk medicine "Buchinha" (Luffa operculata) and their effect on PEBP2alphaA and OCIF gene expression in a human osteoblast-like Saos-2 cell line. Chem.Pharm.Bull.(Tokyo) 2001;49(10):1377-1379. View Abstract
Kawahara, N., Kurata, A., Hakamatsuka, T., Sekita, S., and Satake, M. Two new cucurbitacin glucosides, opercurins A and B, from the Brazilian folk medicine "Buchinha" (Luffa operculata). Chem.Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2004;52(8):1018-1020. View Abstract
Kloss, P. [On the bitter substance from Luffa operculata Cogn.]. Arch Pharm Ber.Dtsch.Pharm Ges. 1966;299(4):351-355. View Abstract
Menon-Miyake, M. A., Saldiva, P. H., Lorenzi-Filho, G., Ferreira, M. A., Butugan, O., and Oliveira, R. C. Luffa operculata effects on the epithelium of frog palate: histological features. Braz.J Otorhinolaryngol. 2005;71(2):132-138. View Abstract
Menon-Miyake, M. A., Carvalho de, Oliveira R., Lorenzi-Filho, G., Saldiva, P. H., and Butugan, O. Luffa operculata affects mucociliary function of the isolated frog palate. Am J Rhinol. 2005;19(4):353-357. View Abstract
Matos, F. D. J. and Gottlieb, O. R. Isocucurbitacine B Cytotoxic Constituant of Luffa Operculata. So Anais Da Acadamia Brasileira De Ciencias 1967;39(2):245.
Weiser, M., Gegenheimer, L. H., and Klein, P. A randomized equivalence trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Luffa comp.-Heel nasal spray with cromolyn sodium spray in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Forsch.Komplementarmed. 1999;6(3):142-148. View Abstract
Wiesenauer, M., Gaus, W., Bohnacker, U., and Haussler, S. [Efficiency of homeopathic preparation combinations in sinusitis. Results of a randomized double blind study with general practitioners]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1989;39(5):620-625. View Abstract
Wiesenauer, M., Gaus, W., Bohnacker, U., and Haussler, S. [Efficiency of homeopathic preparation combinations in sinusitis. Results of a randomized double blind study with general practitioners]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1989;39(5):620-625. View Abstract
ZIEGLER, E. [ON THE PROBLEM OF SUPPORTIVE HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF THROAT, NOSE AND EAR DISEASES, DISCUSSED WITH LUFFA OPERCULATA AS AN EXAMPLE.]. HNO 1963;11:351-352. View Abstract
ZIEGLER, E. [LUFFA OPERCULATA AS A HOMEOPATHIC DRUG IN THROAT, NOSE AND EAR DISEASES.]. Landarzt. 1-20-1964;40:78-79. View Abstract