Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in regions such as the Caribbean, South America, and India. It has been employed for a variety of digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting, especially in children and convalescent individuals. Traditional healers have valued arrowroot starch for its bland, easily digestible nature, and its purported ability to soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Arrowroot gruel, for example, has been recommended as a gentle remedy for upset stomach and to restore hydration after episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.

However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for nausea and vomiting is minimal. Most available literature consists of anecdotal reports and references in ethnobotanical surveys. There are no well-designed clinical trials or comprehensive pharmacological studies that confirm its antiemetic properties. The main rationale for its use is its mildness and ease of digestion, rather than any direct effect on the physiological pathways involved in nausea or vomiting. Therefore, while its use is well-established in traditional practices, the overall strength of evidence is weak.

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