Synopsis

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

Amomum (a genus in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. Various species, such as Amomum villosum and Amomum xanthioides, are used for gastrointestinal complaints, including dysentery, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion. In TCM, Amomum fruits (often referred to as Sha Ren) are traditionally included in herbal formulas intended to "dispel dampness," harmonize the stomach, and treat disorders like diarrhea and dysentery. Historical texts such as the Compendium of Materia Medica and Shennong Bencao Jing mention its use for these symptoms.

Modern scientific evidence supporting Amomum’s effectiveness for dysentery is limited and largely preliminary. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Amomum extracts, there are no well-controlled clinical trials validating its efficacy specifically for dysentery in humans. As such, the rating is a 2: based primarily on longstanding traditional use with a modest and indirect scientific rationale, but lacking robust clinical evidence.

In summary, the use of Amomum for dysentery is primarily justified by historical and traditional practices, with some early pharmacological studies suggesting plausibility, but no strong scientific validation as of the current literature.

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Other ingredients used for Dysentery

Other health conditions supported by Amomum (unspecified)

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