Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Needle
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) is traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, to support the healing of abrasions and other minor wounds. Folk medicine practices often involve the topical application of fresh leaves or poultices to the affected area. The rationale behind this use is largely based on the plant's reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are thought to help prevent infection and promote healing. Scientific studies have identified the presence of bioactive compounds in Bidens pilosa, such as flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and terpenoids, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity [1]. However, most of the available research is limited to in vitro or animal studies, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly evaluating the efficacy of Spanish Needle for treating human skin abrasions. As such, while the traditional use is supported by some preliminary pharmacological data, the overall quality of clinical evidence remains low. In summary, the use of Spanish Needle for abrasions is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with some supportive but not conclusive scientific evidence. Healthcare providers should exercise caution and advise patients that, although potentially beneficial, the effectiveness and safety of this remedy for abrasions have not been firmly established in clinical settings.
1. Bartolome AP, Villaseñor IM, Yang WC. Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae): Botanical Properties, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Asiaticoside
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Blackthorn
Balsam
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bee hive
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cattail
Cocoa Butter
Cymbidium goeringii
Cornflower
Cowherb
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Elm
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
fibroblast growth factor
Little ironweed
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Spanish Needle
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Kidney Infection
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Lice