Evidence supporting the use of: Manna
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Manna, derived from the sap of the Fraxinus ornus (manna ash) tree, has a long history of use as a gentle laxative, particularly in children. Its use for constipation dates back to ancient and medieval times, primarily in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Manna contains mannite (a form of mannitol), which acts as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Historical medical texts, including those from the Greco-Roman and Islamic Golden Age periods, note the use of manna as a mild, sweet-tasting remedy suitable for pediatric and elderly patients due to its gentle action and palatability. Modern scientific studies specifically evaluating manna for pediatric constipation are limited. Some pharmacological investigations acknowledge the osmotic laxative effect of mannitol, and isolated reports or small clinical observations suggest it may be effective. However, there is a lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews validating its efficacy and safety compared to standard treatments such as polyethylene glycol or lactulose. Thus, while its use is primarily justified by tradition and historical precedent, the mechanistic rationale based on mannitol content provides some scientific plausibility for its laxative action. In summary, manna’s role in treating constipation in children is supported by historical practice and limited scientific rationale, but not by robust contemporary clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Manna
Constipation (adults)Constipation (children)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Gastritis
Indigestion
Wounds and Sores