Synopsis

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

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in North America and China, for the treatment of digestive complaints, including indigestion. Native American and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have utilized various parts of the plant, especially the bark and berries, as a carminative, stomachic, and general tonic to relieve symptoms such as bloating, stomach discomfort, and poor appetite. The traditional rationale is that prickly ash is believed to stimulate saliva and gastric secretions, thereby aiding digestion and alleviating indigestion. Despite this traditional use, scientific validation remains limited. Phytochemical analyses reveal that prickly ash contains alkaloids, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds that may have mild stimulant or anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive tract. However, clinical studies or high-quality trials specifically investigating prickly ash’s efficacy for indigestion in humans are lacking. Most evidence comes from animal studies or extrapolation from in vitro experiments, which are insufficient to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness or safety in treating indigestion. In summary, the use of prickly ash for indigestion is rooted in traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation. While its long use in folk medicine suggests some benefit, current evidence does not robustly support its efficacy. Until more rigorous studies are conducted, its use should be considered as complementary and approached with caution.

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