Evidence supporting the use of: Helicteres isora
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Helicteres isora, commonly known as the Indian Screw Tree, has been traditionally used in various systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and folk medicine, for the treatment of abscesses and other skin infections. The use is mainly justified by ethnobotanical records and traditional knowledge, where its roots, bark, and fruits are applied externally as poultices or decoctions to help reduce swelling and promote the healing of abscesses. The basis for this traditional use is the plant's reputed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been documented anecdotally in several regions of India and Southeast Asia.
There is some preliminary scientific evidence supporting the antimicrobial activity of Helicteres isora extracts against certain bacteria and fungi, as demonstrated in a handful of in vitro studies (e.g., Saha et al., 2011; Kirtikar & Basu, Indian Medicinal Plants, 1935). However, robust clinical studies or rigorous experimental data directly linking Helicteres isora use to the resolution of abscesses in humans are lacking. Thus, while the plant’s use for abscesses is well documented in traditional medicine, scientific validation in the context of abscess treatment specifically remains limited. The overall evidence is therefore rated as 2: primarily traditional, with some weak in vitro support but no strong clinical validation.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Helicteres isora
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis