Synopsis

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

Jalapa (Ipomoea purga), also known as jalap root, has a long-standing history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily as a potent purgative (laxative) for the treatment of constipation and to promote bowel movements. The resin derived from the tuberous roots of the plant was widely used in the 17th to 19th centuries in Europe and the Americas to evacuate the bowels and cleanse the colon. The active constituents are primarily resin glycosides, which act as irritant laxatives, stimulating peristalsis in the large intestine and resulting in increased stool output. This traditional use is well-documented in various historical pharmacopeias and herbal texts. However, scientific validation for the use of jalapa is limited. Modern pharmacological studies on jalapa and its active constituents are sparse, and it is not widely used in contemporary medicine due to concerns about toxicity, severe cramping, dehydration, and the availability of safer, more controlled laxatives. Regulatory agencies generally discourage the use of jalapa in over-the-counter products. In summary, the support for jalapa’s use in supporting the large intestine or colon is primarily historical and traditional, with little contemporary scientific validation or endorsement.

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