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 & Effectiveness

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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 Colocynth

    Colocynth 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 Colocynth

    Colocynth 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 Colocynth

    Colocynth 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 Colocynth

    Colocynth 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 Colocynth

    Colocynth 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.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.