The inhibitory effect of uzara root in diarrhea is mainly due to the content of uzarin. This inhibits the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, which is responsible, among other things, for intestinal motility. In diarrheal diseases, intestinal motility is usually increased, and the reduction leads to cramp relief and relief of diarrhea symptoms. Inhibition of secretion by irritation of certain nerves also contributes to the reduction of diarrhea.
Uzara root is also said to relieve nausea (antiemetic effect). The root supports the body’s own mechanisms while sparing the intestinal flora.
Uzara root for the heart
In much higher doses, the glycosides contained in Uzara root can increase the contractility of the heart muscle (positive inotropy), that is, in a sense, support the strength of the heart muscle, and reduce the stroke rate. Glycosides are therefore included in pharmacology in some drugs (cardiac glycosides) for the therapy of cardiac muscle weakness (heart failure) and too high heart rate.
Uzara: side effects and drug interactions
Currently, there are no known side effects of the root.
Because uzara root contains glycosides, it may increase its effect if taken at the same time as cardiac glycosides. Therefore, the drug should not be taken together with cardiac glycosides and further with certain drugs for cardiac arrhythmias (quinidine) and drugs to increase salt excretion (saluretics).
