Evidence supporting the use of: Wax Gourd
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

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

Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as ash gourd or winter melon, has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various urinary tract disorders, including kidney stones. In Ayurveda, the fruit and its juice are believed to have diuretic properties, helping to flush out small kidney stones and reduce urinary discomfort. Texts sometimes recommend wax gourd as a cooling and hydrating food for conditions involving heat and inflammation of the urinary tract.

However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating or preventing kidney stones is limited. Some animal studies suggest that extracts of wax gourd may have a diuretic effect and could reduce the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, a common component of kidney stones, but the evidence is preliminary and not robust. Clinical studies in humans are lacking, and there is insufficient data to definitively confirm its effectiveness or safety for this specific condition.

Overall, the use of wax gourd for kidney stones is primarily justified by traditional practices, with limited and low-quality scientific evidence to support its use. More rigorous clinical research is necessary to establish its true efficacy and safety in this context.

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