A climbing vine with tendrils up to 20 centimeters long. Leaves heart-shaped, 5-10 cm in diameter, cut into 5-7 lobes. Male and female yellow flowers, about 15 mm long, long-stalked with pair of small leaflike bracts at middle or toward base of stalk. Fleshy green fruit, oblong with pointed ends, ribbed and wrinkled, bursting when mature to release seeds. Seeds flat with ruminated margins.

Folkloric and Traditional Uses:

• Astringent powdered leaves or root decoction can be applied to hemorrhoids.
• Leaf juice for cough and as a purgative and anthelminthic to expel intestinal parasites, and for healing wounds.
• Seeds also used to expel worms.
• Juice from fruit used for dysentery and chronic colitis.
• The vine or the juice of leaves used as mild purgative for children.
• In large doses, the fresh juice is a drastic purgative.
• Decoction of roots and seeds used for urethral discharges.
• Pounded leaves used for scalds.
• Infusion of leaves or leaf juice used for fevers.
• In Jamaica, leaf decoction or infusion is taken for colds, as laxative and blood cleanser. Warm tea infusions also used for toothaches and mouth infections. Also used as a bath/wash for skin eruptions and acne.
  

Recent use

• A Philippine herb that has recently gained international recognition for its possible benefits in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Despite its bitter taste, it has also become a popular nutritional drink for a boost of vim and vigor. In fact, the more bitter, the better, as it is believed that the bitterness is proportionate to its potency.
• Studies have suggested that ampalaya contains a hypoglycemic polypeptide, a plant insulin responsible for its blood sugar lowering effect. Other benefits suggested were body detoxification (including removal of nicotine), strengthening of the immune system and fertility regulation.
• It is increasingly recommended as an adjunct or supplement to traditional therapeutic regimens for diabetes mellitus.
  

Excerpts from: "An illustrated compilation of Philippine medicinal plants by Godofredo Stuart "