Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). In everyday non-technical usage, the luffa, also spelled loofah, usually refers to the fruits of the species Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula. It is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable but must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible. The vegetable is popular in India, China and Vietnam.^[rx] When the fruit is fully ripened, it is very fibrous. The fully developed fruit is the source of the loofah scrubbing sponge which is used in bathrooms and kitchens.

Luffa is a widely cultivated plant in the family Cucurbitaceae which is easy to grow. It is cultivated throughout Asia and the United States for the food and scrubbers but is inherent to Tropical Africa and Asia. Luffoa is also known as Sponge Gourd, Bath Sponge, Dish Cloth Gourd, Dish-Cloth Gourd, Towel Gourd, Dishrag Gourd, Vegetable Sponge, Rag Gourd, Wash-Rag Sponge, Smooth Luffa, Scrubber Gourd, and Wild Vegetable Sponge. Luffa is titled to various names in different countries such as German: Luffa, Netzgurke; Hindu: Dhodka, Ghia-Torai; Korean: Su Sa Mi Oe; French: Courage Torchon, Pétole; Russian: Ljufa and others.

Sponge gourd Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Luffa aegyptiaca

Plant

Luffa grows best in tropical and subtropical climates and thrives in well-drained soils. It is a coarse, vigorous, monoecious, and annual vine that bears cylindrical and smooth fruits which are used as culinary vegetables. It grows on bushy plants that are 30 ft. (9 m) long. The plant has got five angled stems. The leaves are dark green, ovate-reinform with silvery patches topside. The flowers are monoecious, yellow having a diameter of 5-7.5 cm. The plant bears flowers during summer. There are three varieties of Luffa as Angled luffa, Smooth luffa, Taiwan luffa.

Fruit

Luffa fruit is smoothly cylindrical and about 24 inches (61 cm) in length and 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. In general, the fruit features thin and smooth green skin, white flesh, and smooth, black, flat ovate seeds with length 1-12 cm. concentrated near its core. The taste of the fruit resembles zucchinis.

Nutrition

Luffa fruit (Sponge Gourd) contains various antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, nutrients, and lipids. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A and carbohydrates. It is also a very good source of Vitamin B5, Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Total dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Magnesium.

Health Benefits of Sponge gourd

All parts of the Luffa plant possess medicinal properties. Luffa Fruit (Towel Gourd) is used in cooking as well as to treat various health ailments. It is helpful to lower blood sugar, constipation, weight loss, and hypoglycemia, enhance the immune system, weight loss, and detoxify the body.

1. Prevents eye ailments

Vitamin A prevents macular degeneration that leads to blindness. The study conducted by the National Eye Institute shows that for those who took vitamin C, vitamin A, copper, vitamin E, and zinc, their chances of macular degeneration was decreased by 25% in a six-year period. The study also shows that eye drops of Vitamin A effectively treat dry eyes. Including Vitamin A-rich food Luffa fruit in your daily diet may help to reduce eye ailments.

2. Cardiovascular benefits

Vitamin B5 in 900 mg dose helps to reduce the bad cholesterol as well as triglycerides which reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease. As 900 mg dosage is the higher amount, one should consult the physician before taking it.

3. Prevent diabetes

Manganese is essential for the production of digestive enzymes which is responsible for a process called gluconeogenesis. The research conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry showed that in mice that were given the manganese, their glucose tolerance was improved in 12 weeks. The manganese promoted the secretion of insulin, reduce lipid peroxidation, and enhanced mitochondrial function.

4. Prevents muscle pain

Potassium balances the fluid levels and helps to relax muscles. The low presence of potassium leads to muscle cramps, spasms, and pain. It assists to break down the protein and carbs on which the muscle depends for repair and energy.

5. Reduce arthritis

Copper provides anti-inflammatory properties which soothe stiffness and pain which is related to arthritis. It is able to assist with muscular strength, repair connective tissue. People with arthritis wear copper bands or bracelets as it is believed that copper can reduce painful symptoms.

6. Treat Anemia

Vitamin B6 is essential to produce hemoglobin in the blood which helps to transport the oxygen to the cells and mobilizes iron. Anemia is the result of inadequate red blood cells. Patients with anemia might experience these symptoms such as aches, fatigue, and pain. The study shows that the consumption of Vitamin B6 inadequate amounts reduces the symptoms of anemia and prevents its occurrence.

7. Skin health

The study shows that a high intake of Vitamin C can reduce skin dryness, wrinkles and slow down the aging process. Vitamin C is essential for the production of protein to form tendons, skin, blood vessels, and ligaments. It assists in the healing process of wounds and also forms scar tissue.

8. Migraine headaches

The inadequate amount of magnesium is related to migraine headaches. Magnesium assists to balance the neurotransmitters in the body. The study which was published in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics showed that the dose of 300 milligrams of magnesium lowers the recurrence of migraine headaches.

9. Brain function

Oxygen is required for the brain to function properly. The brain results in poor memory, apathy, and decreased productivity in the absence of iron as the brain won’t receive oxygen. The deficiency of iron leads to restlessness, irritation, and inattentiveness.

10. Type 2 diabetes

Food rich in magnesium helps to reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes because magnesium is essential for glucose metabolism. The dose of 100 milligrams of magnesium in a day reduces the chances of diabetes by 15 percent.

Traditional uses

Various parts of the plant are used in folkloric ethnomedicine. It is believed that Luffa Fruit is pectoral, carminative, anthelmintic, cooling to the blood; facilitate circulation, antiseptic, emmenagogue, and galactagogue. The fruit is used as a tonic to the genital organs, beneficial to the intestines, demulcent, and cooling or warming to the stomach. The dried fruit is used as an emetic after being steeped. In Java, juice of the leaf is used to cure amenorrhea whereas, the people of India are used to treat snake bites and dysentery. In the Philippines, skin diseases and orchitis are treated by using leaves. The seeds are used as cathartic, emetic, and hydragogue. The infusion made from the seeds is used as an anthelmintic drastic and purgative. The extracts of root and vine are helpful for tooth decay, Ozon,e, and parasitic affections. The extract from leaves helps to induce labor during childbirth in Western Uganda.

How to eat

The buds, flowers, and young fruits are consumed as okra or squash after cooking. Luffa fruit could be either sautéed in a little oil or sliced in a stir fry. The flowers could be added to the salads. In stir-fried dishes and soups, Luffa Fruit could be added as an ingredient. The skin could be used to make chutneys. It could be stir-fried or used in curry as a vegetable.

Precautions

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume it in food amounts and the excessive intake of Luffa Fruit should be avoided.

References

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