Evidence supporting the use of: Colocynth
For the health condition: Backache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis), also known as bitter apple, has a long-standing history in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. It has been used for various ailments, including pain relief, digestive issues, and inflammation. Specifically, in some traditional herbal practices, colocynth is applied externally as a poultice or ointment for backache and other types of musculoskeletal pain. The rationale is largely based on its reputed analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as described in historical texts and folk medicine.
However, modern scientific validation for its effectiveness in treating backache is limited. Most of the available studies on colocynth focus on its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidiabetic properties, but these are primarily preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies. There is a lack of robust clinical trials assessing its efficacy and safety specifically for backache in humans. Furthermore, colchynth is known to be toxic when ingested in significant amounts, which limits its use and underlines the need for caution. Thus, while there is a traditional basis for its use in backache, scientific evidence remains weak, and its safety profile is a concern.
Other ingredients used for Backache
ashwagandhabeta caryophyllene
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
capsaicinoids
citrus oil
collagen
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
devil's claw
ginger
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
horseradish
Indian tinospora
jujube
kudzu
magnesium
milk
moringa
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
plantain
quail egg
rhizome
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
almond fruit
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
yellow root
squawvine
gastrodia
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
mugwort
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
punarnava
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
morus
root tuber
silk tree
solomon's seal
siler root
amber
flowering quince
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
purslane
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
gentiana macrophylla
wood betony
paw paw
abies spectabilis
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
soursop
clematis
Aralia
akebia
Antler
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Alsonia scholaris
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
Aspen
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bugbane
Butternut
Bogbean
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bupleurum
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Casearia esculenta
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chymopapain
coconut oil
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Cowherb
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corktree
Curcuma
cypress
Cornus
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Costus
Collinsonia
Carthamus
Colocynth
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Deer Root
Dragonhead
Devil's Club
David's Milkberry
Dwarf Nettle
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elk antler
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fernbush
Ficus simplicissima
Flemingia philippinensis
Frankincense
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Golden Eye-grass
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Garden Cress
Galbanum
Golden Shower Tree
Golden Willow
Guazuma ulmifolia
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Spikenard
Sumac
Vervain
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Colocynth
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Backache
Burning Feet or Hands
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Malaria
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)