Synopsis

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

Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as ash gourd or winter melon, has a long history of use in traditional systems of medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these traditions, wax gourd is considered to have cooling, diuretic, and detoxifying properties. It has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with liver disorders, including jaundice, mainly through its perceived ability to promote urination and support liver function. Ayurvedic texts mention its use as a palliative remedy for jaundice, often recommending the juice or decoction of the fruit.

From a scientific perspective, however, evidence supporting the efficacy of wax gourd for jaundice in adults is limited. Some laboratory studies have demonstrated antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of wax gourd extracts in animal models, suggesting a potential for liver protection. However, these studies are preliminary and do not specifically address the treatment of jaundice in humans. There are no well-designed clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness for this condition. Thus, while the traditional use of wax gourd for jaundice is well-documented, scientific validation remains weak. Its use persists primarily due to its longstanding presence in ethnomedicine, rather than robust clinical evidence.

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