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Apple (Balsam)Botanical Name: Momordica balsaminaFamily: N.O. Cucurbitaceze Synonyms: Balsamina. Part Used: The fruit deprived of the seeds. Habitat: East India.
Description: A climbing annual plant cultivated in gardens for the sake of its ornamental fruit, which is of a rich orange red colour, ovate attenuated towards each extremity, angular, warty, not unlike a cucumber. The name is derived from Mordio, to bite, so called from the bitten appearance. Constituents: Has not been examined qualitatively. Medicinal Action and Uses: A liniment is made by adding the pulped fruit (without the seeds) to almond oil. This is useful for piles, burns, chapped hands, etc. The pulp is also used as a poultice. The fluid extract is used for dropsy. Caution is required in administering - large doses resulting in death. Dosage and Preparation: Dose, 6 to 15 grains. Poisons and Antidotes: As for Bitter Apple. Other Species: Momordica charantia and East Indian species with bright orange yellow oblong fruits. Momordica mixta has fruit shaped like a bullock's heart, bright red in colour.
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