Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as Abu Jahl’s melon, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, or wild gourd, grows widely across sunny areas of Cyprus. Although it resembles a small watermelon, its fruit is bitter and highly toxic.
Despite its poisonous nature, Citrullus colocynthis has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes—primarily in external treatments for wounds, but also as a powerful laxative. Its medicinal value was recognized early on, and it was exported to England for this purpose as early as the medieval period.
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