Evidence supporting the use of: Colocynth
For the health condition: Malaria

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis), also known as bitter apple, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Its use for malaria is primarily grounded in traditional practice rather than modern scientific evidence. Ethnobotanical surveys have reported that traditional healers in some African and Middle Eastern communities have used colocynth extracts as part of herbal remedies for fever and symptoms believed to be associated with malaria. The rationale is largely based on the plant’s general anti-inflammatory and febrifugal (fever-reducing) properties, as well as its bitter components, which are commonly associated with antimalarial herbalism in these cultures.

However, scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy of colocynth against Plasmodium species (the parasites responsible for malaria) are extremely limited. Some in vitro studies have noted that extracts of colocynth possess certain bioactive compounds, but there is insufficient evidence to confirm antimalarial activity in humans. Furthermore, the plant is known to be toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic side effects. In summary, while colocynth has a traditional basis for use in malaria, this is not supported by robust scientific validation, and its safety profile raises significant concerns.

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