Colocynthis

Colocynthis (from Greek kolokynthis, meaning "gourd"), also known as bitter apple or bitter cucumber (Citrullus colocynthis), is a perennial plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. The plant is best known for its fruit, which is extremely bitter and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In Hebrew, it is referred to as kolokint (קולוקינת) or kolokint ha-mar (קולוקינת המר), literally translating to "bitter gourd." The fruit contains several bioactive compounds, including cucurbitacins, which are responsible for its bitter taste and have been studied for their potential pharmacological effects. Colocynthis has been used in various traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda and Unani, to treat a range of ailments, from digestive issues to inflammatory conditions. However, due to its high toxicity, it should be used with caution and under professional guidance. In Arabic, the plant is known as handal (حندل), and in Persian, it is referred to as hendelan (هندلان).