The role and efficacy of winter melon seeds

Every winter, we will think of the delicious snack winter melon seeds. Do we know the specific functions of winter melon seeds? Here is a detailed introduction to the functions of winter melon seeds:

【Pharmacological action】

1. Immunostimulating effect After hot water extraction of wax gourd seeds, dialyzed fluid was obtained. The mitogenic activity of this fluid on mouse lymphocytes was concentration-dependent. The dialyzed fluid was a B cell mitogen, with PBA (clonal B cell activator) activity and adjuvant activity, which significantly increased the number of PFC (broad plaque forming cells), showing an immunostimulating effect [1].

2. Inhibitory effect on trypsin Trypsin inhibitors were isolated and purified from wax gourd seeds, and four components with the ability to inhibit trypsin activity were obtained, two of which were small molecule trypsin inhibitors [2].

Dietary value

Winter melon seeds. Also called winter melon kernels. When using winter melon, wash the seeds, dry them in the sun, or stir-fry them over low heat until they turn yellow.

It is sweet and slightly cold in nature. It can moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm, promote diuresis and remove dampness, and eliminate carbuncle and discharge pus. It is used for cough caused by phlegm heat; edema, dysuria; leucorrhea; lung carbuncle, intestinal carbuncle, etc. It is often used in compound prescriptions. "Shennong's Herbal Classic" says that this product can "make people happy and have a good complexion, and replenish qi and not feel hungry." Its seeds are edible, so "Illustrated Herbal Classic" states that "it can also be taken alone as bait", and it was used in ancient prescriptions. Use 10~120g each time. Decoction or grind into powder for consumption.

【Effects and functions】:

It moisturizes the lungs, resolves phlegm, eliminates carbuncle, and promotes diuresis. It can treat cough due to phlegm heat, lung carbuncle, intestinal carbuncle, gonorrhea, edema, beriberi, hemorrhoids, and wine acne on the nose and face.

① "Ben Jing": tonifies Qi.

② "Bie Lu": It indicates worry, dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

③ Cui Yuxi's "Food Classic": It benefits the urinary channels and removes fresh water.

④ "Bencao Gangmu" (Bencao Gangmu): removes skin impurities and dark spots, moisturizes the skin.

⑤ "Compendium of Materia Medica": Treats intestinal abscess.

⑥ "Bencao Jingshu": It can stimulate appetite and wake up the eyes.

⑦ "Bencao Shu": It is mainly used to treat heat accumulation in the heart meridian, painful urination, and wine residue on the nose and face like numbness, pain, and discharge of yellow water.

⑧ "Bencao Congxin": Nourishes the liver and improves eyesight.

⑨ "Bencao Shu Gouyuan": It is used to treat abdominal masses, ruptured pus and blood, and is the most important medicine for any congestion in the intestines and stomach.

⑩ Chen Nianzu: It can moisten the lungs and eliminate phlegm, and also benefit the stomach.

⑾ "Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine": Treats nephritis, urethritis, dysuria, athlete's foot, and edema.

⑿ "Illustrated Guide to Chinese Medicinal Plants": Used to treat swollen and painful hemorrhoids, or for washing.