Evidence supporting the use of: Agave
For the health condition: Dysentery
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Agave has a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures, particularly in Mexico and Central America. Traditional healers have used different parts of the agave plant, especially the sap and leaves, to manage a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders like dysentery and diarrhea. The rationale for its use is typically based on agave's purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its demulcent effect, which is thought to soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Historical ethnobotanical records document the oral administration of agave preparations in folk remedies for dysentery. However, these uses are primarily anecdotal and are passed down through generations rather than validated by modern scientific protocols.
Scientific studies specifically investigating agave's effectiveness against dysentery-causing pathogens are very limited. Some in vitro research suggests that certain agave species possess antimicrobial activity against bacteria and protozoa, but these findings are preliminary and not directly linked to clinical outcomes in dysentery. No high-quality clinical trials or systematic reviews currently support the use of agave for dysentery treatment. As such, its use is justified by tradition rather than by strong scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Dysentery
Activated charcoalAloe vera
barberry
berberine
blackberry
clove
goldenseal
marshmallow
Peppermint
pomegranate
slippery elm bark
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
holarrhena antidysenterica
Alcohol
Acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Abrus
Alchornea
Areca
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Abuta
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Bai Ji
Black Nightshade
Cranesbill
Coin-leaf desmodium
Ficus religiosa
Golden Shower Tree
Hedyotis
Kachnar
Kamala
Lantana camara
Sanguisorba
Tannins
Tamaricaceae
Other health conditions supported by Agave
AbrasionsAbscesses
Bladder Infection
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cough (general)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysentery
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries
Parasites (general)
Skin (infections)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores