Synopsis

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

Indian Ipecac (Tylophora indica) has traditionally been used in some systems of Indian medicine as an emetic—that is, to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning or food-related toxicity. The practice of using emetics for acute poisoning is rooted in traditional approaches where rapid removal of ingested toxins was prioritized. However, there is limited scientific evidence specifically validating the safety or efficacy of Indian Ipecac for this purpose. The more widely recognized ipecac syrup, derived from Carapichea ipecacuanha, was historically used in Western medicine for similar indications, but its use has declined due to concerns about effectiveness and potential harm. Indian Ipecac contains alkaloids with emetic properties, and its use for poisoning is documented in some Ayurvedic and folk medicine texts. Nonetheless, modern clinical guidelines generally advise against the routine use of emetics in poisoning, favoring other interventions. There is a lack of controlled clinical trials supporting Indian Ipecac’s use in this context, thus the practice remains primarily traditional, with a low evidence rating due to absence of robust modern research.

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