Merve MEMİŞOĞLU*,o , Gülnur TOKER*

*Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, 06330 Etiler, Ankara, TURKEY.
oCorresponding author

Summary:
Ecballium elaterium (Cucurbitaceae) has been used for years in folk medicine in Mediterranean countries for various therapeutic treatments, especially sinusitis, hepatitis and rheumatic conditions. It also has been reported to have various biological activities including cytotoxic antitumor, antiinflammatory, antihepatotoxic, purgative, cardiovascular, analgesic and antipyretic activities. Biological activities are due to the cucurbitacin content of the plant. In this review, exclusive information will be presented about traditional usage and biological activities of E. elaterium.