Evidence supporting the use of: Alkanet
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly in the Mediterranean and South Asian regions, for its purported wound-healing properties, including the treatment of abrasions. Its roots contain red pigments (alkanin and shikonin) that have historically been incorporated into ointments and salves. In folk medicine, alkanet root preparations have been applied topically to minor skin injuries, abrasions, and burns, with the belief that they promote healing and provide antimicrobial protection.
Scientific evidence supporting alkanet’s efficacy for abrasions is limited. Some laboratory studies have documented that alkanin and shikonin possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities in vitro and in animal models. For example, these compounds have been shown to promote collagen synthesis and re-epithelialization, both important in wound repair. However, clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating alkanet for abrasions or minor wounds are lacking. Most of the current usage for abrasions is thus justified primarily by tradition, with only preliminary pharmacological data available.
In summary, the use of alkanet root for abrasions is rooted mostly in traditional practices, with limited but suggestive preclinical support. Robust clinical validation in humans is currently absent.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
AbrusAbuta
Acacia
Achyranthes
Agave
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allantoin
Aloe vera
Alstonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
anamu
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia formosa
arnica
ash
asiaticoside
assam indigo
avens
bai ji
balsam
banyan
Barleria
bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
bindweed
blackbrush
blackthorn
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Bombax
boxthorne
Brazilian peppertree
Butea monosperma
Calendula
Calochortus
Calotropis gigantea
capillary artemisia
carrapichinho
Casearia sylvestris
castile soap
cattail
Cedrus libani
celandine
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
cinquefoil
Clerodendrum indicum
cocklebur
cocoa butter
colloidal silver
comfrey
cornflower
cowherb
Cymbidium goeringii
Cynanchum
Cynodon dactylon
Davilla rugosa
Didymocarpus
dragon\'s blood
elephant vine
elephant\'s head
English elm
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Erodium cicutarium
Euphorbia
fibrinase
fibroblast growth factor
ficin
fir
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
Gambir
Genipa americana
genipap
geranium
Gnaphalium
golden shower tree
goldenseal
gotu kola
Gugambilla
heal-all
henna
honey
hyaluronic acid
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
impatiens
iridoid glycosides
Jessica\'s sticktight
jojoba oil
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Kigelia africana
lac resin
lacquertree
Lantana camara
lavender
Leptospermum scoparium
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
Lilium polyphyllum
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lophira lanceolata
Lygodium
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Maritime Dock
Marking Nut Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Milkweed
Moss
Mountain horopito
Mucin
Myrrh
Nimbidin
nut grass
Oak
oriental arborvitae
Oxystelma
paederia foetida
Panthenol
paw paw
Plantago
plantain
Plumbago zeylanica
Povidone
Prolase
Propolis
protease
purified silver
purple Tephrosia
red alder
red spiderling
resin
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
sea salt
Self-Heal
Sensitive Plant
Sericin
Sesbania
shen-chu
Shikonin
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
siler root
Silverweed
slippery elm bark
Smoketree
Smooth Alder
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Tagetes
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Thymol
Tridax
Trumpet Vine
turmeric
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Alkanet
AbrasionsAbscesses
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Inflammation
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores