Synopsis

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

The blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) has a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, including its bark, leaves, and latex, have been used to treat a range of ailments, including gastrointestinal complaints such as colic in adults. In Ayurvedic and folk medicine, decoctions or extracts from the bark are sometimes recommended for abdominal pain, indigestion, and as a general digestive tonic.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of blackboard tree for colic in adults is minimal. Most available data are based on in vitro or animal studies that focus on broader anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, or antimicrobial effects of the plant’s extracts rather than direct clinical trials in humans for colic specifically. While some phytochemical analyses have identified alkaloids and other compounds that may theoretically provide antispasmodic or soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract, clinical validation is lacking.

In summary, the use of blackboard tree for adult colic is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than scientific research. Evidence is largely anecdotal or based on traditional texts, with a rating of 1 for the strength of evidence due to the lack of robust clinical trials or systematic reviews supporting its efficacy for this condition in adults.

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