Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, mainly as a laxative due to its anthraquinone glycoside content. Historical texts and folk medicine have utilized the bark of Alder Buckthorn to relieve constipation and stimulate bowel movements, which are sometimes symptoms experienced by individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), especially the constipation-predominant subtype (IBS-C).

However, there is little to no robust scientific research specifically validating the use of Alder Buckthorn for the treatment of IBS as a syndrome. The evidence for its use is largely anecdotal or based on its general laxative action, rather than targeted studies in IBS populations. Modern clinical guidelines for IBS do not recommend Alder Buckthorn, and there is a lack of controlled clinical trials evaluating its efficacy and safety in this context.

Additionally, the use of anthraquinone-containing laxatives (like Alder Buckthorn) is generally cautioned against for prolonged periods, due to potential adverse effects such as electrolyte imbalance and dependency. Therefore, while its use in IBS may have a traditional basis, particularly for constipation symptoms, scientific validation is lacking and safety concerns remain.

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