Operculina turpethum, commonly known as Indian Jalap or Trivrit, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, primarily as a purgative and for the management of gastrointestinal disorders. In Ayurveda, it is classified under "Virechana Dravyas," which are herbs used for therapeutic purgation to remove toxins and balance doshas, particularly in conditions like constipation, abdominal distension, and other digestive complaints. Some classical Ayurvedic texts mention its use in syndromes that may overlap with modern concepts of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as irregular bowel movements, bloating, and discomfort, though the correlation is not direct due to differences in diagnostic frameworks.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of Operculina turpethum specifically for IBS is limited. A few preclinical studies have demonstrated its laxative and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically benefit some IBS subtypes, especially those with constipation-predominance. There are very few clinical trials, and none are robust enough to conclusively validate its efficacy and safety for IBS according to modern standards. Thus, its use for IBS is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than rigorous scientific validation.