Evidence supporting the use of: Methylcellulose
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming laxative commonly used to treat constipation. Its relevance to hemorrhoids lies primarily in the management of one of the core factors contributing to hemorrhoids: straining during bowel movements due to hard stools or constipation. Scientific evidence supports that softening the stool and increasing its bulk can reduce the need for straining, which, in turn, relieves pressure on hemorrhoidal veins and lessens symptoms. Methylcellulose works by absorbing water in the gut, which increases stool mass and softens it, making bowel movements easier and less painful.
Clinical guidelines and reviews, such as those from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, endorse the use of bulk-forming agents like methylcellulose in the supportive treatment of hemorrhoids. Randomized controlled trials and experience with other bulk-forming agents (e.g., psyllium) provide moderate evidence for improved symptom relief in hemorrhoidal disease by decreasing bleeding and discomfort associated with defecation.
However, methylcellulose does not directly treat hemorrhoids or reduce their size; rather, it addresses constipation and straining, which are aggravating factors. While the overall evidence base is not vast or specific to methylcellulose alone (hence a moderate evidence rating of 3), its use is scientifically justified as part of a conservative management strategy for hemorrhoids, alongside dietary fiber, fluids, and other non-surgical interventions.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
Aloe veragreen chiretta
apple
apricot
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
blackberry
butcher's broom
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
turmeric
dandelion
fiber blend (proprietary)
gotu kola
cellulose
horse chestnut
lemon
licorice root
Nettle
oregon grape
parsley
phellodendron amurense
plum fruit
prune
psyllium
rutin
slippery elm bark
Triphala
vitamin C
seaweed
Zinc
capsicum
punarnava
commiphora
blackboard tree
Caesalpinia crista
Rubia cordifolia
peony
Szechuan lovage
Morus
Myrrh
Morinda
birch
aster root
shepherd's purse
paw paw
geranium
sea salt
avens
apple cider vinegar
antler
anthraquinone
Ardisia
Angelica
Acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aconite
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aescin
anthocyanidins
Agrimonia pilosa
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Baliospermum
Blepharis
Brassica
bayleaf
bran
Barleria
bael
banyan
bioflavonoids
black nightshade
borassus palm
Borassus aethiopum
black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Chinese silkvine
Cucurbita
coconut oil
cactus
cinquefoil
Cyathula
chard
cabbage
chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
castor oil
Carthamus
colocynth
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chondrus
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
escin
Embelia
fiber
Ficus simplicissima
hazelnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
lichen
Lycopodium
labrador tea
little ironweed
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Morning glory
Nymphaea nouchali
Nimbidin
Oak
Oroxylum indicum
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
pagoda tree
Pluchea
Prunus
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
proanthocyanidins
Portulaca
Persimmon
Papayotin
Polygonum
Rosabin
Ruscus
Ruscogenins
Rosa laevigata
Rutosides
rhubarb
Shark Liver Oil
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
Sumac
Sword Bean
Terminalia
Tannins
Taraxacin
Troxerutin
Tamarind
Varuna
Wax Gourd
Witch Hazel
Winter Begonia
Yellow Dock
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Methylcellulose
Constipation (adults)Constipation (children)
Diverticulitis
Hemorrhoids
Irritable Bowel Syndrome