Synopsis

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

Zanthoxylum species, such as Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxylum piperitum, have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems in Asia and Africa. In the context of cholera—a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae—these plants have been employed in folk remedies to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Ethnobotanical surveys document the use of zanthoxylum bark, seeds, or fruit as an ingredient in decoctions or powders for treating "cholera" or "choleraic diarrhea" in various communities, particularly in India and Nepal. The rationale is often based on the plant's reputed antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and astringent properties.

However, rigorous scientific validation of zanthoxylum’s efficacy specifically against cholera is lacking. While some in vitro studies indicate that extracts from certain zanthoxylum species exhibit antibacterial activity, including modest effects against pathogens implicated in gastrointestinal infections, there is little direct evidence showing efficacy against V. cholerae or clinical cholera in humans. No randomized controlled trials or robust pharmacological studies have established its effectiveness for this disease. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge, and the use of zanthoxylum for cholera is better understood as a reflection of local medicinal practices rather than scientifically confirmed benefit.

In summary, the use of zanthoxylum for cholera is rooted in tradition, with some weak supportive evidence from laboratory studies, but it lacks substantial scientific corroboration.

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