Toxicity of Saponins from the Fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis L.Schrad: Socio-Environmental Perspective

The book reflects a research work on Sudanese indigenous plant. It is local name is (Hanzal). Hanzal (Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (CCT)) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a well recognized plant in the traditional medicine and was used by people in rural areas as a purgative, antidiabetic and insecticide. The objectives of this book are to explore the world of secondary metabolites and active constituents that existing in this novel plant, in particular saponins and try to reveal their toxicity and modes of action. Thiswas acheived through bioassay of saponins on albino rats followed by histopathological examination of their internal organs in addition to study the hypoglycemic effect.