Bowtrol Cleanse

What Is Bowtrol?

Bowtrol is a dietary supplement marketed as an herbal colon cleanser. It contains the following ingredients:

cascara sagrada

turkey rhubarb

bentonite clay

slippery elm

aloe

flax seeds

senna

wormseed

black seeds

peppermint

olive leaf extract

thyme oil powder

garlic

cloves

Claims for Bowtrol's Benefits

Bowtrol is purported to promote optimal colon health by cleansing your system of toxins. The supposed benefits of this detox process include increased absorption of nutrients, improved concentration, weight loss, clearer skin, and better energy.

Bowtrol's manufacturers also claim that the supplement can help treat gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

Bowtrol as a Colon Cleanse

Although Bowtrol has not been scientifically studied for its health effects, a number of its ingredients have shown certain benefits in clinical research. However, since Bowtrol does not disclose the dosage of any individual ingredients, it's impossible to determine each ingredient's efficacy (or safety) as it's used in the supplement.

Here's a look at the science behind several of the herb ingredients found in Bowtrol:

1) Cascara Sagrada

With a long history of traditional use by Native Americans, cascara sagrada may act as an herbal laxative. The herb contains anthraquinones, which are compounds that trigger contractions in the colon and, in turn, promote movement of the bowels.

2) Senna

Also rich in anthraquinones, senna offers laxative effects and is often included herbal detox remedies.

3) Flax Seeds

High in soluble fiber, flax seeds have been shown to serve as a natural laxative.

4) Peppermint

Animal-based research suggests that consuming peppermint oil may stimulate the flow of bile. Bowtrol's manufacturers claim that this increased bile flow helps to calm the digestive system.

5) Garlic

Bowtrol's manufacturers suggest that garlic helps boost the immune system. Indeed, a 2009 report indicates that the herb stimulates the proliferation of a number of cells involved in immune defense.

Safety

There are a number of safety concerns associated with Bowtrol's ingredients. Some precautions to consider:

Anthraquinone-containing herbs should be avoided by people with diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, severe anemia, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, recent colon surgery, liver disease, or kidney disease.

A number of the herbs found in Bowtrol may interact with (or interfere with the absorption of) certain medications.

Neither senna nor cascara sagrada should be taken for longer than seven days (except under the supervision of a health professional).

Keeping Your Colon Healthy

There may be benefits to following a carefully designed detox plan, especially under the supervision of a physician. You can also take these steps to keep your colon healthy in the everyday:

Reduce your consumption of red meat and saturated fat

Follow a fiber-rich diet (including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds)

Limit your alcohol consumption

Exercise regularly

_Sources:

_{Butt MS, Sultan MT, Butt MS, Iqbal J. "Garlic: nature's protection against physiological threats." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2009 49(6):538-51.}

_{Nadir A, Reddy D, Van Thiel DH. Cascara sagrada-induced intrahepatic cholestasis causing portal hypertension: case report and review of herbal hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Dec;95(12):3634-7.}

_{National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil." NCCAM Publication No. D313
 May 2006.}

_{Vanderperren B, Rizzo M, Angenot L, Haufroid V, Jadoul M, Hantson P. Acute liver failure with renal impairment related to the abuse of senna anthraquinone glycosides. Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Jul-Aug;39(7-8):1353-7.}

_{Vo LT, Chan D, King RG. "Investigation of the effects of peppermint oil and valerian on rat liver and cultured human liver cells." Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology 2003 30(10):799-804.}