Synopsis

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

Cyclanthera pedata, commonly known as caigua or stuffing cucumber, has a history of traditional use in South American folk medicine for various ailments, including digestive issues such as constipation. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine sources indicate that the fruits and sometimes the seeds of C. pedata are consumed to promote bowel movements, particularly in children. This is largely attributed to its mild laxative properties, possibly due to its fiber content and the presence of certain phytochemicals. However, the scientific literature on its efficacy and safety for treating constipation in children is very limited. Most available studies focus on its general nutritional value, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects, rather than direct clinical trials assessing its use for constipation. There are anecdotal reports and references in herbal compendia supporting traditional use, but high-quality, controlled studies in pediatric populations are lacking. As such, while there is a foundation in traditional medicine for its use against constipation, scientific validation remains insufficient.

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