Synopsis

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

Jalap (Ipomoea purga) is a traditional herbal remedy that has been historically used as a potent purgative or laxative, particularly in the 17th to 19th centuries. Its use for treating constipation, especially in children, is primarily grounded in traditional medicine practices rather than modern scientific validation. Jalap resin contains compounds called glycosidic resins (jalapin and convolvulin) that have strong cathartic effects, leading to its adoption for short-term relief of constipation. In various historical pharmacopeias and materia medica, Jalap was listed as a standard purgative, sometimes even preferred for pediatric cases due to its rapid action compared to other herbal laxatives of the time.

However, contemporary research and clinical guidelines do not support or recommend Jalap for constipation, particularly in children, due to concerns about its strong, sometimes harsh effects and potential toxicity in inappropriate doses. Modern medicine has largely abandoned Jalap in favor of safer, more predictable laxatives. There are few, if any, controlled clinical trials validating its efficacy or safety in pediatric constipation. As such, while there is a clear historical precedent for its use, scientific evidence is limited, and its use is discouraged in modern practice.

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Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)

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