Condurango (Gonolobus condurango): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Condurango work for stomach ulcers?

Condurango contains active compounds called condurangin and condurangoglycosides, which are believed to exert protective effects on the gastric mucosa. These bitter glycosides stimulate digestive secretions and may promote healing of ulcerated tissue through anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties. The herb also contains tannins and resins that may provide astringent effects on the stomach lining. Evidence for this mechanism is limited to traditional use and preliminary research (Evidence Level C), with no robust clinical trials confirming these effects in humans.

Does Condurango interact with medications?

Condurango may interact with medications affecting the gastrointestinal system. Because it stimulates gastric acid secretions, it could potentially reduce the effectiveness of acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers. The glycoside content may also affect liver metabolism of certain drugs. There is limited clinical data on specific interactions (Evidence Level C). Patients taking medications for digestive conditions, anticoagulants, or drugs metabolized by the liver should consult a healthcare provider before using Condurango.

What is the recommended dosage of Condurango tincture?

The traditional adult dosage for Condurango tincture is 2-4ml taken before meals, typically two to three times daily. This recommendation is based on historical Andean indigenous use and traditional herbal practice rather than clinical trials (Evidence Level C/Traditional). The tincture should be diluted in water to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Dosage should not exceed recommended amounts, as high doses have been associated with toxicity including convulsions. Always follow product-specific labeling or consult a qualified medical herbalist for personalized guidance.

Is Condurango safe during pregnancy?

Condurango is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb contains glycosides and alkaloids that may stimulate uterine contractions or potentially affect fetal development. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and inflammatory conditions (Evidence Level C/Traditional). No clinical safety data exists for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Condurango and should consult a qualified healthcare provider for safe alternatives for managing digestive concerns.

What is Condurango used for in herbal medicine?

Condurango is traditionally used as a digestive remedy, primarily for gastric ulcers and digestive stimulation. Indigenous peoples of Ecuador and the Andes have used the vine bark for centuries to treat stomach ulcers, improve digestion, and relieve gastric discomfort. Historically, it was also explored as a potential cancer treatment, though this use lacks clinical support (Evidence Level C). Modern herbalists primarily recommend it for its bitter properties to stimulate appetite and digestive secretions. It remains a lesser-known remedy outside of South American traditional medicine.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 22 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Condurango (Gonolobus condurango) is a South American woody vine used in traditional and complementary medicine, primarily investigated for its potential anticancer properties [PMID:26389000, PMID:26109778].

Background

Condurango is a tropical woody vine native to South America [PMID:26109778]. Historically, it rose to global prominence in the 1860s as a cancer-specific treatment and has appeared in various national pharmacopeias as a stomachic [PMID:40874915].

Traditional uses

It is used by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, including homeopathy, for the treatment of syphilis [PMID:26389000], as well as for esophageal and stomach ailments, including certain types of cancer [PMID:25780694].

Active compounds

Major ingredients include condurangogenin A (also referred to as condurango-glycoside-A) [PMID:23807740, PMID:26109778] and other pregnane glycosides [PMID:8004709].

Mechanism of action

Condurango may induce apoptosis via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of the p53 signaling pathway [PMID:23807740, PMID:26389000]. It has been reported to exhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory effects [PMID:40375313] and may modulate DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes [PMID:26088552].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DLung Cancer

Ethanolic extract and ultra-highly diluted Condurango 30C showed ameliorating effects on benzo[a]pyrene-induced lung cancer in rats via caspase-3-mediated apoptosis [PMID:25780671, PMID:25780694].

Evidence DCervical Cancer (HeLa cells)

In vitro studies show that Condurango extract and condurangogenin A induce ROS-dependent apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest [PMID:23807740, PMID:26389000].

Evidence DTriple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

In vitro studies suggest Gonolobus condurango may act as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) in TNBC cell lines [PMID:40375313].

Evidence DMyeloid Leukemia (M1 cell line)

Pregnane glycosides from condurango cortex acted as differentiation inducers, transforming M1 cells into phagocytic cells [PMID:8004709].

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro cell line studies and animal models (rats), indicating potential anticancer activity. There are no human clinical trials provided; therefore, the overall strength of evidence for clinical efficacy is low.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 40375313 (2025) — Exploring the potential of Gonolobus condurango as a histone deacetylase inhibitor in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines: in vitro study. · BMC complementary medicine and therapies
2.PMID: 26389000 (2015) — Condurango (Gonolobus condurango) Extract Activates Fas Receptor and Depolarizes Mitochondrial Membrane Potential to Induce ROS-dependent Apoptosis in Cancer Cells in vitro: CE-treatment on HeLa: a ROS-dependent mechanism. · Journal of pharmacopuncture
3.PMID: 25780677 (2013) — Evidence of an Epigenetic Modification in Cell-cycle Arrest Caused by the Use of Ultra-highly-diluted Gonolobus Condurango Extract. · Journal of pharmacopuncture
4.PMID: 26088552 (2015) — Condurango 30C Induces Epigenetic Modification of Lung Cancer-specific Tumour Suppressor Genes via Demethylation. · Forschende Komplementarmedizin (2006)
5.PMID: 23807740

Condurango

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Condurango