Evidence supporting the use of: Naphthoquinones
For the health condition: Abscesses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Naphthoquinones, particularly those derived from plants like Lapacho (Tabebuia species) and Juglans nigra (black walnut), have a long history of traditional use in folk medicine for treating infections, including abscesses. The use of these compounds is primarily rooted in ethnobotanical practices, especially in South America and parts of Asia, where plant extracts containing naphthoquinones (such as lapachol and juglone) were applied topically or consumed to help resolve boils, abscesses, and other skin infections. The rationale was based on observed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in traditional settings.

On the scientific front, naphthoquinones have demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in vitro, with some studies showing inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria commonly implicated in abscesses. However, these findings are mostly limited to laboratory studies, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials or standardized dosing regimens to support their therapeutic efficacy in humans for abscess treatment. Toxicity concerns—especially with systemic use—also limit their modern application. Thus, while naphthoquinones have a basis in traditional medicine for abscesses and some preliminary scientific support, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are moderate at best.

More about Naphthoquinones
More about Abscesses

Other ingredients used for Abscesses

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bayberry
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bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
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vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
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punarnava
paederia foetida
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privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
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siler root
amber
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sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
Stillingia
paw paw
White oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
red root
ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
Acacia
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Antirrhinum majus
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Asteraceae
Abuta
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bee propolis
bai ji
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black-eyed Susan
balsam
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bloodroot
bindweed
banyan
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boxwood
bur-reed
bee products
back nightshade
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borassus palm
black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
coconut
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croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
colloidal silver
capillary artemisia
cinquefoil
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cowherb
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dragon\'s blood
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elephant vine
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elephant\'s head
Euphorbia
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Flueggea suffruticosa
figwort
Fomes fomentarius
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genipap
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giant blazingstar
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honey
heal-all
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henna
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lacquertree
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luffa
lodhtree
lac resin
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little ironweed
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mallow
Malva sylvestris
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Mahonia
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marigold
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Nasturtium
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purple Tephrosia
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red alder
resin
red spiderling
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Products containing Naphthoquinones

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.