Indications
Devil’s Cotton (Abroma augusta, known in Bangla as Ulatkambal) is a shrub whose root bark and leaves are used in Ayurvedic, Unani and folk medicine in South Asia. It is traditionally used for women’s menstrual problems, especially painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), irregular or scanty periods and white discharge, and is sometimes used as part of herbal formulas for high blood sugar. It is usually found in combination herbal products for women’s health. Scientific evidence is limited and comes mostly from laboratory and animal studies.
How It Works
The root bark contains plant compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids and sterols. In animal studies these have shown mild pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar lowering effects. Traditionally it is believed to act as a uterine tonic, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease cramps, but how it works in people is not well understood.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label or by a registered Ayurvedic or Unani practitioner. Products for period pain are often started a few days before the expected period and continued during it. Do not take more than the label says.
Interactions
- Medicines for diabetes such as Metformin, Gliclazide or Insulin: blood sugar may fall too low.
- Hormonal medicines, including birth control pills: effects are not known; ask a doctor.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Allergy to the plant.
- Children, unless advised by a practitioner.
Side Effects
Side effects are not well documented. Some people may have stomach upset, nausea or loose stools. In people taking diabetes medicines, low blood sugar may occur, causing shakiness, sweating, hunger or confusion.
Get urgent medical help if you have very heavy bleeding, severe or sudden pelvic or stomach pain, fainting, signs of very low blood sugar, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy, because herbs used to regulate periods may affect the womb. Avoid use while breastfeeding, as safety is not known.
Precautions and Warnings
- Very painful, heavy or irregular periods can be caused by conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis or infection; see a doctor for a proper check.
- Missed periods may mean pregnancy; check this before using any herbal menstrual remedy.
- People with diabetes should check their blood sugar more often.
- Use only registered products.
Overdose
There is little information on overdose. Taking too much may cause stomach upset or low blood sugar. If a large amount has been taken, or if a child has swallowed it, contact a doctor or the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Ayurvedic and Unani herbal ingredient, traditionally used for menstrual disorders.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.