Colocynthidis fructus

Colocynthidis fructus, also known as colocynthid fruits, resembles a small watermelon. The fruits are used in folk medicine worldwide, e.g. for digestive problems, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal complaints, bacterial infections or diabetes. Formerly used as a powerful laxative. Paracelsus (1493 to 1541) already described the effect: "He who eats the coloquint must go to the stool."
Herbal medicinal products in Germany with coloquinth fruit extract since 1914 Arhama® tincture N

Commission E: Negative monograph due to gastrointestinal side effects

Due to its toxicity, the drug is obsolete in phytotherapy today.

A recognized remedy in homeopathy for stabbing, cramping or colicky abdominal pain with severe watery diarrhoea, nausea and nausea, also for belching and flatulence.

Colocynthidis fructus contains as a skin active substance Cucurbitacine E, which is present in glycosidic form, with a maximum level of 0,072 % of the official drug. It contains sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids, sugars and saponins.

Colocurbitacin fruits increase the secretion of fluid into the intestinal lumen and also have a strong laxative effect, stimulate peristalsis, promote the secretion of gastric juices and irritate the mucous membrane in high doses. Cucurbitacin derivatives also have a broad antiproliferative effect.

A dose of 1 g can lead to severe gastrointestinal complaints and even collapse. From 2 g lethal dose!

For the treatment of non-specific stomach and intestinal complaints for adults and children aged 12 and over.

Dosage: Single dose of 7.5 mL; at intervals of 48 h for a maximum of 14 days (corresponding to a maximum of 7 single doses)
A colocynth fruit extract is not intended for long-term use. If necessary, the duration of intake should be limited to as few days as possible. It should not exceed 14 days at a time and 30 days in total in a calendar year.

An extract of coloquinth fruits (1: 10-13) has been approved; the extractant is ethanol 42 % V/V. Only one product is authorized, which is only available on prescription.

BfArM: Koloquinthen-Essenz-Bombastus, ENR: 3000743, approved according to § 105 AMG, prescription only, 100 g (= 105.7 ml) liquid
Indication: For short-term use in constipation in children from 12 years and adults
Dosage: 2 x daily 3 - 10 ml, corresponding to a drug equivalent of 110 mg to 475 mg daily dose.
Duration of use: Not longer than 14 days in a row and
not on more than 30 days within one year.

see also under effects!

Cramp-like symptoms may occur, especially with irritable bowel syndrome (-> dose reduction). A loss of electrolytes is to be expected with chronic use or abuse. 1 g: Severe gastrointestinal complaints up to collapse, from 2 g lethal dose!

Chronic ingestion or abuse due to potassium deficiency increases the effect of cardiac glycosides and may influence the effect of antiarrhythmic drugs. Potassium losses can be increased by combining it with saluretics, adrenal cortex hormones or liquorice root. A simultaneous intake of anthranoid drugs may also increase the effects.

The side effects do not occur or occur only very rarely if the dose of total cucurbitacins is limited to a maximum amount (0.072 %) as in the approved ethanolic extract.
In the event of an overdose, painful intestinal cramps and severe diarrhea with loss of water and electrolytes may occur. An overdose with toxic damage is only possible with a dosage outside the pack size.

The homeopathic globules Citrullus colocynthis D6 are toxicologically harmless and a frequently prescribed homeopathic remedy for colicky pain conditions accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and nausea. Small children and infants are given 5 globules every hour as an initial dose, infants 1 globule. If there is a noticeable improvement, usually after the 3rd day, the dose is reduced to 5 globules or 1 globule 3 times a day. They can usually be discontinued after a few days.

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9. https://ptaforum.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/ausgabe-032012/bittere-arznei-aus-der-wueste/