Evidence supporting the use of: Indian mallow
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

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

Indian mallow (Abutilon indicum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and Unani, for a variety of ailments, including colic in children. The roots, leaves, and sometimes seeds of Indian mallow are used in decoctions or powders to soothe abdominal discomfort and digestive disturbances in infants and young children. Traditional Ayurvedic texts mention the plant as "Atibala" and recommend its use for relieving pain and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, which are symptoms associated with colic.

However, the evidence supporting its efficacy is primarily anecdotal or based on historic use, rather than modern clinical trials. Few laboratory studies have explored the plant's pharmacological actions, and there is some preliminary evidence suggesting antispasmodic and mild analgesic properties in animal models, but these are not specific to infant colic. There is a lack of high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy in children for this indication. No major pharmacopoeias or regulatory agencies endorse its use for colic based on scientific evidence.

In summary, while Abutilon indicum is traditionally used to manage colic in children, current scientific validation is lacking, and its use should be approached with caution, particularly in infants, due to the absence of robust safety and efficacy data.

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