Evidence supporting the use of: Pomegranate
For the health condition: Dysentery

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Synopsis

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

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has a longstanding history in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as dysentery and diarrhea. The fruit rind, bark, and sometimes juice are commonly referenced in classical texts and ethnobotanical surveys as remedies for "bloody flux" (an old term for dysentery), owing to their astringent and antimicrobial properties. The efficacy is traditionally attributed to the high content of tannins and polyphenols, which are known to have astringent effects that can reduce intestinal inflammation and fluid loss. Some scientific studies have identified antimicrobial activity of pomegranate extracts against common dysentery-causing pathogens like Shigella and Escherichia coli, but most of these studies are in vitro or animal models rather than robust clinical trials in humans. There is limited but suggestive evidence from small human studies or case reports that pomegranate preparations may help reduce the severity or duration of diarrhea, including dysentery. However, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are lacking, and the use of pomegranate for dysentery remains primarily rooted in tradition rather than being a mainstay of evidence-based medical practice.

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