Apocynaceae
Uzara Root
Xysmalobium undulatum
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: South Africa
Also known as: Uzara, Wild Cotton, Elephant's Root
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Acute nonspecific diarrhea (ESCOP and Commission E approved — reduces motility and secretion), IBS diarrhea. Fast-acting antidiarrheal effect.
Herbal Actions
Antidiarrheal (reduces GI motility via cardiac glycoside action on gut smooth muscle), antispasmodic
Active Constituents
Cardenolide glycosides (uzarin, xysmalobin — cardiac glycosides), xysmalobine, uzarigenin
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT recommended without standardization — cardiac glycosides |
| Tincture | Standardized commercial preparation (Uzara brand): 45–90mg daily. Professional guidance for other preparations. |
| Notes | Commission E approved for acute diarrhea. Uzara brand: most reliable standardized form. Cardiac glycosides require respect — standardized only. Do not exceed recommended dose. Effects within hours. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid with cardiac medications (cardiac glycosides). Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with quinidine, amiodarone. Standard dose only.
Side Effects: Cardiac effects at high doses. GI upset. Standardized preparation: generally safe.