Natural purgatives
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Natural Purgatives: Insights from Traditional Medicine and Modern Research
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Purgatives: Cheng-Chi-Tang Decoctions
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), purgative remedies are often used to treat symptoms associated with "internal heat," such as bloated and painful abdomen, hard stools, and fever. Three notable Cheng-Chi-Tang decoctions (CCTDs) are frequently employed: Ta-Cheng-Chi-Tang (TCCT), Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang (XCCT), and Tiao-Wei-Chen-Chi-Tang (TWCCT). These formulations contain various combinations of Rheum palmatum, Magnolia officinalis, Citrus aurantium, and Mirabilitum (sodium sulfate crystals) 1.
Research has shown that TCCT exhibits the most potent anti-inflammatory and purgative effects among the three decoctions. It significantly inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in RAW 264.7 cells, as well as reduces carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. These findings suggest that TCCT not only serves as an effective purgative but also has potential anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for treating inflammatory conditions 1.
Unani Medicine: Purgative Drugs and Their Therapeutic Use
Unani medicine, an ancient system of healing, emphasizes the use of purgative drugs (Mushil) to eliminate toxic and unnecessary materials from the body. This practice, known as Istifragh, is considered one of the six essential lifestyle factors for maintaining health. Unani physicians use purgatives to correct imbalances in the body's humours, which are believed to be the root cause of many diseases 2.
Purgative drugs in Unani medicine are classified based on their strength—mild, moderate, and strong—and are used to cleanse the body or intestines of accumulated toxins. These drugs are particularly effective in treating chronic and metabolic disorders by eliminating morbid matter selectively from the body. The combination of Munzij (concoctive) and Mushil (purgative) therapy is a specific treatment approach in Unani medicine aimed at correcting humoural imbalances and treating various systemic diseases 2.
Herbal Remedies for Neonatal Jaundice: Purgative Manna
Herbal remedies, such as purgative manna, have been explored for their efficacy in treating neonatal jaundice. A randomized double-blind clinical trial compared the effects of Bilineaster drop (purgative manna) combined with phototherapy to phototherapy alone in treating jaundiced neonates. The study found that the combination treatment significantly reduced the duration of hospital stay and the concentration of total and direct bilirubin in the serum at specific time points 3.
Specifically, the intervention group receiving both phototherapy and purgative manna showed a statistically significant reduction in total bilirubin concentration at 48 and 72 hours, as well as a significant reduction in direct bilirubin concentration at 72 and 96 hours. This suggests that purgative manna, when used alongside phototherapy, can enhance the treatment efficacy for neonatal jaundice, potentially leading to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery 3.
Conclusion
Natural purgatives have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems like TCM and Unani. Modern research supports their efficacy, highlighting their potential anti-inflammatory properties and therapeutic benefits in treating conditions like inflammatory diseases and neonatal jaundice. The integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific validation underscores the importance of these natural remedies in holistic healthcare.
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