Synopsis

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

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis), also known as bitter apple, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, including as a remedy for colic in adults. Its use can be traced back to ancient Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern pharmacopeias, where its strong purgative and antispasmodic properties were noted. Traditional practitioners, such as those in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine, have used the dried pulp of colocynth as both a laxative and as a treatment for various gastrointestinal complaints, including abdominal pain and colic. The rationale was based on its ability to stimulate intestinal motility and promote the evacuation of the bowels, which was thought to relieve discomfort associated with colic.

However, modern scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for adult colic is very limited. Available research largely focuses on its general laxative effect or its toxicity, rather than controlled studies for colic. Case reports and pharmacological studies highlight significant toxicity risks, including severe gastrointestinal irritation, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity, especially when used in high doses or over extended periods. As a result, colocynth is rarely used in modern clinical practice for colic, and its use is cautioned or discouraged by regulatory authorities due to safety concerns. In summary, while colocynth's use for adult colic is well-rooted in tradition, robust clinical validation is lacking, and its potential for harm outweighs any unproven benefit.

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