Apple (Balsam)

POISON!

Botanical: Momordica balsamina
Family: 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.