Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Frangula (commonly known as buckthorn, specifically Frangula alnus or Rhamnus frangula) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine as a natural laxative. Its bark contains anthraquinone glycosides, which are metabolized in the colon to compounds that stimulate peristalsis, thereby promoting bowel movements. Because of this mechanism, Frangula has been used traditionally to alleviate constipation and irregular bowel movements, which may include symptoms associated with "spastic colon" (an older term for conditions now more commonly referred to as irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, or IBS-C).

However, while traditional use is well documented, modern clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety specifically for "spastic colon" is limited. The majority of available data focus on its laxative effects for general constipation rather than for spasmodic or functional bowel disorders. Furthermore, long-term or excessive use of anthraquinone-containing laxatives can lead to side effects such as electrolyte imbalance and dependency. Regulatory agencies in some countries have placed restrictions on the use of Frangula-containing products for these reasons. In summary, Frangula's use for spastic colon is primarily rooted in traditional practices, with modest evidence supporting its role as a laxative but little direct scientific validation for its use in functional bowel disorders characterized by spasm.

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