the shoots, tendrils, and leaves of some or possibly all species may be eaten as greens, and at least two species (serpent gourd, "t. cucumerina", and pointed gourd, "t. dioica") are grown commercially for their fleshy fruits used as vegetables, most popular in south asia and southeast asia. at least two species ("t. kirilowii" and "t. rosthornii") are grown for use in traditional chinese medicine, where they are called the name gualou (). "trichosanthes" is also known as a medicinal as well as poisonous plant in india. the herb has shown an ability to reduce chest congestion by breaking down phlegm and aiding in its removal from the lungs.