Evidence supporting the use of: Black pepper
For the health condition: Colic (adults)

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Synopsis

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

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) has been used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, to address a variety of digestive complaints, including colic in adults. The warming and carminative properties of black pepper are believed to help soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, stimulate digestion, and alleviate gas formation, which are symptoms often associated with colic. In Ayurvedic texts, black pepper is considered a remedy for "vata" disorders, which can manifest as digestive spasms or colicky pain.

However, scientific validation for black pepper's effectiveness in treating adult colic is limited. While some laboratory and animal studies suggest that piperine, the active compound in black pepper, has antispasmodic and digestive-enhancing effects, direct clinical evidence in humans for the specific indication of adult colic is lacking. Most of the available research focuses on black pepper's general digestive benefits, such as increasing gastric secretions and improving intestinal motility, rather than on colic per se.

In summary, the use of black pepper to relieve adult colic is primarily supported by traditional usage rather than robust scientific evidence. Modern clinical studies specifically assessing its effects on colic are currently insufficient or absent, so its use for this purpose remains based on historical practice rather than proven efficacy.

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