Immature fruits of less-bitter cultivars of Luffa acutangula are used as a vegetable. They are cooked or fried and used in soups and sauces. Occasionally, the stem tops with young leaves and flower buds are used as a leafy vegetable. In South-East Asia, ridged gourd is a popular vegetable because of the mildly bitter flavour, the slightly spongy texture and sweet juiciness. Young fruits of sweet cultivars are also eaten raw and small fruits are sometimes pickled. The seeds yield an edible oil that is, however, sometimes bitter and toxic.
In some parts of West Africa a leaf extract of ridged gourd is applied on sores caused by guinea worms to kill the parasite. Leaf sap is also used as an eyewash to cure conjunctivitis. The fruits and seeds are used in herbal preparations for the treatment of venereal diseases, particularly gonorrhoea. In Mauritius the seeds are eaten to expel intestinal worms and the leaf juice is applied to skin affections such as eczema. The plant including the seed is insecticidal. Mature fruits when harvested dry are processed into sponges and used for scrubbing the body while bathing or for domestic purposes, such as washing of cooking utensils, and as filters for local drinks such as palm wine. Industrial use is made of these fibres for making hats. However, the sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica (L.) M.Roem., synonym: Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.) is preferred for making sponges because its fibre is easier to extract. The trailing stem is used as temporary tying rope for firewood and crops to be carried home. The plant is occasionally used as an ornamental climber for enclosures.
Production and international trade
Ridged gourd is mainly produced as a home garden crop. Thailand exports ridged gourd to western Europe as a vegetable for the Asian communities. Japan and Brazil are the main exporters of loofah sponges mostly to the United States, but these are mainly from sponge gourd. In West Africa mature fruits of ridged gourd or sponge gourd are sold as sponges in street markets and supermarkets.