Evidence supporting the use of: Luffa
For the health condition: Gas and Bloating
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Luffa, commonly known as sponge gourd or loofah, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in some parts of Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, various parts of the Luffa plant have been used to address digestive issues, including gas and bloating. The rationale for its use is typically based on the belief that Luffa helps to clear toxins, regulate digestion, and promote gastrointestinal motility.
However, there is very limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Luffa for treating gas and bloating. Most available information consists of anecdotal reports and references in herbal medicine texts rather than controlled clinical studies. A few laboratory studies have examined the general pharmacological properties of Luffa, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but these do not directly address digestive symptoms like gas or bloating. As a result, the use of Luffa for these conditions is primarily justified by tradition rather than scientific validation, and the strength of evidence supporting its efficacy is weak.
In summary, while Luffa has been traditionally used for digestive complaints in some cultures, there is little to no modern clinical evidence to support its use for gas and bloating.
Other ingredients used for Gas and Bloating
activated charcoalallspice
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
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bacillus coagulans
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
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cinnamon
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coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
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fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
gentian root
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greek mountain tea
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cellulase
horseradish
isomalto-oligosaccharide
quassia
lactobacillus gasseri
lemon
licorice root
lipase
lovage
mastic gum
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mint
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prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
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schizonepeta
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tangerine
hyssop
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capsicum
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alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
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inula racemosa
anise
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
goldenrod
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
flowering quince
dogwood
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Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
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American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Bifidobacterium
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Butea monosperma
Bitter Grass
Bael
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black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
banana
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Cumin
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
coconut oil
Coriander
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Centipeda
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Cha de bugre
Carlina
Calamus
Cosmos
Costus
Castor Oil
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dragonhead
Dill
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupatorium
Embelia
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
Rose
Rhubarb
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by Luffa
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)