Frangola

From the bark of the Frangola substances are extracted that restart the intestine. It is especially useful in occasional constipation.

What is it

The frangola or frangula, whose scientific name is Rhamnus frangula, is a shrub two to five meters tall that grows in wooded and humid areas of Europe and North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

In phytotherapy its bark is used, harvested between May and June and dried in air, aged for one or two years or heated to a temperature above 100 ° C. This procedure is very important because if ingested “raw” it is poisonous.

Activities

Like cascara and rhubarb, frangola also contains glycosides derived from anthracene, anthraquinones and frangulins, substances that stimulate the muscles of the large intestine and thus promote peristalsis, mucus production and emptying of the intestine.

Furthermore, at the level of the colon it inhibits the reabsorption of water and salts: this induces the production of soft and voluminous stools, increasing the laxative effect.

Why is it used

The frangola is particularly suitable for occasional constipation, especially of nervous origin, but should not be used for more than 8-10 days and never continuously.

How to use it

In general, the nebulized dry extract is used and titrated in anthracene derivatives (minimum 2.5%) in tablets, for a total of 2 – 3 mg of extract per kilo of body weight per day. Since it takes effect after about 10-12 hours, it is recommended to take it in the evening before bedtime.

Effects

In case of hypersensitivity or overdose, frangola can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. In this case, potassium loss may also occur, alterations in the levels of various mineral salts and acid-base balance.

In addition, the frequent use of plants containing anthraquinones can be addictive and worsen constipation as well as alter the intramural nerve plexus, aggravating constipation and causing irritable bowel.

Precautions

Frangola should never be used during pregnancy and lactation and in children. It is not recommended to take it during menstruation, especially if painful.

It is also contraindicated if you suffer from inflammation of the abdominal area, colitis, intestinal diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, perianal fistulas, intestinal obstruction or ulcer.

Interactions

Frangola can interact with heart medications, such as quinidine and digitalis antiarrhythmics; with diuretics, such as furosemide; with vincamine.

Accelerating intestinal transit can also adversely affect the absorption of certain medications, for example birth control pills.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *