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Citrullus colocynthis (Colocynth)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Citrullus colocynthis

synonyms: bitter apple, colocynth

part(s) used: pulp of peeled fruit

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» compound colocynth extract: 120 - 500 mg; never take alone

therapy:

toxicity: 2

» when using Citrullus alone, use only in fractional doses; treatment for overdose: stomach evacuation and the administration of stimulating beverages, adequate fluids with electrolytes to prevent dehydration

» contraindicated in pregnancy (Felter and Lloyd. p. 586), and cases involving gastrointestinal irritation, inflammation, abdominal fullness, and cardiac palpitations (Brinker, p. 29)

» A strong, often fatal purgative; toxic effects include severe gastrointestinal irritation, bloody stools, tenesmus, meteorism, diaphoresis, prostration, convulsions, and collapse. Circulatory disturbances may occur. In severe cases the patient may be in hypovolemic shock, feel feverish, and experience audiovisual disturbances, fatality occurs from gastroenteritis (Brundage, p. 89; Felter, p. 318; von Oettingen, p. 310)

» laboratory test results: polyuria, followed by oliguria, hepatitis and pancreatitis

constituents: cucurbitacins; citrullol; alkaloids

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brundage, A.H. 1929. A Manual of Toxicology, 15th ed. New York: D. Appleton and Co.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Felter, H.W. & Scudder, John K., 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Cincinnati, Ohio. Reprinted in 1985 by Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, OR.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.