In 2018, JAMA Dermatology published two cases of hair loss, amongst other symptoms, of individuals who reported eating bitter Cucurbits – members of the Cucurbitaceae family: squash, courgettes, pumpkins, and melons. These were reported as cases of Toxic Squash Syndrome, a type of poisoning resulting from ingestion of a toxin named Cucurbitacin E. Here, I will explain what is known about this syndrome, as well as briefly discuss known therapeutic uses of cucurbitacins.
Toxic Squash — Joshua Williams
Genetics Society UCL 