Synopsis

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

Helicteres isora (commonly known as the Indian screw tree) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and various folk remedies in India and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, different parts of the plant (notably the fruits and roots) have been used to address infections, diarrhea, and other ailments, often as a general remedy for symptoms that today might be attributed to microbial infections. The rationale for these uses lies in the plant's reputed "antimicrobial" and "anti-inflammatory" properties, which have been documented in ethnobotanical surveys.

Regarding scientific validation, a number of in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts from Helicteres isora possess antibacterial activity against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For example, methanolic and aqueous extracts have shown inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and other pathogens in laboratory settings. However, these studies are generally preliminary, using isolated bacterial cultures and plant extracts at concentrations not necessarily achievable in vivo. There is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans evaluating its efficacy or safety as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Therefore, while Helicteres isora is traditionally used in the context of infections, and some laboratory data provide a basis for its antimicrobial claims, the overall evidence supporting its use as an alternative to antibiotics remains limited and does not meet modern standards of clinical validation.

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