Description:
Luffa cylindrica or cylindrical seed oil comes from the seeds found within the fibrous part of the luffa gourd’s fruit. The seeds are pressed to produce the oil. The oil from the seed is considered an excellent lubricant, and externally used for shingles and boils, leprosy and skin diseases. The kernel of the seed is an expectorant, and used in dysentery.
Common Use:
In cosmetics, luffa cylindrical seed oil is used for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Because it prevents synthesis of certain proteins, it is also considered toxic to skin cancer cells. It is high in the essential amino acid, arginine. The seeds have laxative properties, when eaten, due to their high oil content. The kernels provide essential, valuable and useful minerals needed for good body development. Over half of the seed is oil.
History:
The luffa seed oil is used heavily in countries like Africa and India, both nutritionally and to cure skin ailments from the hot sun. The entire plant has medicinal purposes, the leaves can be made into a poultice for severe ulcerations, the fruit has natural exfoliating properties and high nutritional value when young, and the seeds provide essential oils.