Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for COLOCYNTH overview.
Overview
Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) is a plant that grows in East Asia. Its fruit looks like a small watermelon and contains chemicals that are unsafe.
Colocynth contains chemicals called cucurbitacins. These chemicals are very irritating to the stomach and intestines.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use colocynth for diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Due to safety concerns, colocynth was banned by the US FDA in 1991.
Colocynth contains a unique compound called colocynthin, which has been used for centuries as a powerful natural laxative and has even been mentioned in ancient Egyptian medical texts.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Colocynth is unsafe. Colocynth was banned by the US FDA in 1991. Taking even small amounts of colocynth can cause severe stomach irritation, leading to bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and other serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Colocynth extract is possibly safe when used in a dilution of sesame oil for up to 3 months.
Interactions
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Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with COLOCYNTH
Colocynth is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin.
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Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with COLOCYNTH
Colocynth can work as a laxative and cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
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Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with COLOCYNTH
Colocynth is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. “Water pills” can also decrease potassium levels. Taking colocynth along with “water pills” might make potassium levels drop too low.
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Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with COLOCYNTH
Colocynth might lower blood sugar levels. Taking colocynth along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
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Stimulant laxatives interacts with COLOCYNTH
Colocynth can work as a laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking colocynth with stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Special Precautionsand Warnings
When taken by mouth: Colocynth is unsafe. Colocynth was banned by the US FDA in 1991. Taking even small amounts of colocynth can cause severe stomach irritation, leading to bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and other serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Colocynth extract is possibly safe when used in a dilution of sesame oil for up to 3 months.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Colocynth is unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.
Surgery: Colocynth might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking colocynth at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Dosing
Colocynth fruit extract, diluted in sesame oil, has been applied to the skin by adults twice daily for up to 3 months. But colocynth is unsafe when taken by mouth. It can cause severe side effects and is banned by the US FDA.
