Evidence supporting the use of: Wax Gourd
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as ash gourd or winter melon, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these contexts, the fruit is sometimes recommended for digestive issues, including constipation in children, due to its high water content and mild laxative properties. Ayurvedic texts describe wax gourd as having a cooling effect and being beneficial for the digestive tract. In TCM, it is believed to clear heat and promote the movement of fluids, which may contribute to easing constipation. However, the evidence supporting these uses is largely anecdotal and based on empirical tradition rather than on modern clinical trials.
Scientific studies on wax gourd have primarily focused on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects, with very little direct research on its efficacy for treating constipation, especially in children. The laxative effect described in traditional sources is likely due to the fruit's high fiber and water content, which can support bowel movements. However, there is a lack of rigorous scientific validation for its use specifically in pediatric constipation, and safety data in children are limited. Overall, while tradition supports its use, the strength of evidence remains low.
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 Wax Gourd
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood in Urine
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification