Synopsis

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

Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum armatum), also known as timur or toothache tree, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and folk medicine across South and Southeast Asia. In these traditions, various parts of the plant—especially the fruit and bark—are used to address digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. The plant is believed to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and enhance gastrointestinal motility, thereby easing symptoms like bloating and discomfort after eating. However, most of the evidence for its use in dyspepsia comes from traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical surveys rather than rigorous scientific studies. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest that compounds in Zanthoxylum armatum may have gastroprotective, carminative, and anti-inflammatory properties, direct clinical evidence in humans for treating dyspepsia is lacking or very limited. Thus, its use for this condition is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

References:

• Khare, C.P. (2007). Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary. Springer.
• Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1918). Indian Medicinal Plants (Vol. 1-4).
• Upadhyay, R.K., et al. (2010). Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological review of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 1(11): 19-30.

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