Evidence supporting the use of: Colocynth
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis), also known as bitter apple, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Unani and Ayurveda for various ailments, including digestive complaints and hemorrhoids. Its purported benefits for hemorrhoids are primarily based on its traditional use as a purgative and anti-inflammatory agent. Traditional practitioners have employed colocynth preparations to relieve constipation and reduce inflammation, both of which are considered contributing factors in the development and exacerbation of hemorrhoids.
However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating hemorrhoids is very limited. There are no robust clinical trials or high-quality scientific studies directly supporting the use of colocynth for hemorrhoids in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or derived from historical texts rather than modern pharmacological research. The plant is known to contain bioactive compounds such as cucurbitacins, which may have anti-inflammatory effects, but these properties have not been specifically studied or confirmed in the context of hemorrhoidal disease.
Additionally, colocynth is known to have significant toxicity, particularly when used improperly or in large amounts, causing severe gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects. Due to the lack of scientific evidence and concerns about safety, its use for hemorrhoids is not recommended in modern medical practice.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
Aloe veragreen chiretta
apple
apricot
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
blackberry
butcher's broom
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
turmeric
dandelion
fiber blend (proprietary)
gotu kola
cellulose
horse chestnut
lemon
licorice root
Nettle
oregon grape
parsley
phellodendron amurense
plum fruit
prune
psyllium
rutin
slippery elm bark
Triphala
vitamin C
seaweed
Zinc
tangerine
capsicum
punarnava
commiphora
blackboard tree
Caesalpinia crista
Rubia cordifolia
peony
Szechuan lovage
Morus
Myrrh
Morinda
birch
aster root
shepherd's purse
paw paw
geranium
sea salt
avens
apple cider vinegar
antler
anthraquinone
Ardisia
Angelica
Acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aconite
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aescin
anthocyanidins
Agrimonia pilosa
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Baliospermum
Blepharis
Brassica
bayleaf
bran
Barleria
bael
banyan
bioflavonoids
black nightshade
borassus palm
Borassus aethiopum
black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Chinese silkvine
Cucurbita
coconut oil
cactus
cinquefoil
Cyathula
chard
cabbage
chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
castor oil
Carthamus
colocynth
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chondrus
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
escin
Embelia
fiber
Ficus simplicissima
hazelnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
lichen
Lycopodium
labrador tea
little ironweed
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Morning glory
Nymphaea nouchali
Nimbidin
Oak
Oroxylum indicum
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
pagoda tree
Pluchea
potato
Prunus
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
proanthocyanidins
Portulaca
Persimmon
Papayotin
Polygonum
Rosabin
Ruscus
Ruscogenins
Rosa laevigata
Rutosides
rhubarb
Shark Liver Oil
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
Squash
Sumac
Sword Bean
Terminalia
Tannins
Taraxacin
Troxerutin
Tamarind
Varuna
Wax Gourd
Witch Hazel
Winter Begonia
Yellow Dock
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by colocynth
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Backache
Burning Feet or Hands
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Malaria
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)