Colocynth
OTHER NAME(S): Abu Jahl, Alhandal, Bitter Apple, Bitter Cucumber, Colocynth Pulp, Colocynthidis Fructus, Concombre Amer, Hadaj, Hindal, Koloquinthen, Pulpe de Coloquinte, Tumba, Vine-of-Sodom, Wild Gourd, Citrullus colocynthis, Colocynthis vulgaris, Cucumis colocynthis, Coloquíntida, Coloquinte
Overview
Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) is a plant that grows in East Asia. Its fruit looks like a small watermelon and contains chemicals that are unsafe.
Colocynth contains chemicals called cucurbitacins. These chemicals are very irritating to the stomach and intestines.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use colocynth for diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Due to safety concerns, colocynth was banned by the US FDA in 1991.
Uses
We currently have no information for Colocynth overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Colocynth is unsafe. Colocynth was banned by the US FDA in 1991. Taking even small amounts of colocynth can cause severe stomach irritation, leading to bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and other serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Colocynth extract is possibly safe when used in a dilution of sesame oil for up to 3 months.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Colocynth is unsafe. Colocynth was banned by the US FDA in 1991. Taking even small amounts of colocynth can cause severe stomach irritation, leading to bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and other serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Colocynth extract is possibly safe when used in a dilution of sesame oil for up to 3 months.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Colocynth is unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.
Surgery: Colocynth might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking colocynth at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with ColocynthColocynth is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin.
- Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with ColocynthColocynth can work as a laxative and cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with ColocynthColocynth is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking colocynth along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with ColocynthColocynth can work as a laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking colocynth with stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ColocynthColocynth might lower blood sugar levels. Taking colocynth along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Dosing
Colocynth fruit extract, diluted in sesame oil, has been applied to the skin by adults twice daily for up to 3 months. But colocynth is unsafe when taken by mouth. It can cause severe side effects and is banned by the US FDA.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Osol and Farar. The Dispensatory of the United States of America. 25th ed. JB Lippincott Co., 1955.
- Goldfain D, Lavergne A, Galian A, et al. Peculiar acute toxic colitis after ingestion of colocynth: a clinicopathological study of three cases. Gut 1989;30:1412-18..
- Savaj S, Ghaffari M, Abbasi MA, Azar J. Acute interstitial nephritis induced by Citrullus colocynthis. Iran J Kidney Dis. 2017;11(5):385-387.
- Li Y, Zheng M, Zhai X, et al. Effect of Gymnema Sylvester, Citrullus colocynthis and Artemisa absinthum on blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic human. Acta Pol Pharm. 2015;72(5):981-5.
- Rahbar AR, Nabipour I. The hypolipidemic effect of Citrullus colocynthis on patients with hyperlipidemia. Pak J Biol Sci. 2010;13(24):1202-7.
- Khan SA, Shelleh HH, Bhat AR, Bhat KS. Colocynth toxicity. A possible cause of bloody diarrhea. Saudi Med J. 2003;24(8):904-6.
- Heydari M, Homayouni K, Hashempur MH, Shams M. Topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) extract oil in painful diabetic neuropathy: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Diabetes. 2016;8(2):246-52.
- Mehta A, Srivastva G, Kachhwaha S, Sharma M, Kothari SL. Antimycobacterial activity of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. against drug sensitive and drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and MOTT clinical isolates. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;149(1):195-200.
- Huseini HF, Darvishzadeh F, Heshmat R, Jafariazar Z, Raza M, Larijani B. The clinical investigation of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) schrad fruit in treatment of Type II diabetic patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009;23(8):1186-9.
- Ostovar M, Akbari A, Anbardar MH, et al. Effects of Citrullus colocynthis L. in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy. J Integr Med 2020;18(1):59-67.
- Rostami N, Mosavat SH, Heydarirad G, Arbab Tafti R, Heydari M. Efficacy of topical Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) extract oil in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a pilot double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res 2019;33(10):2685-91.