Synopsis

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

Paederia foetida, commonly known as skunk vine, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine systems across South and Southeast Asia. In ethnobotanical surveys and folk medicinal practices, leaves and other parts of P. foetida have been applied topically or administered internally to treat bites and stings from insects and occasionally snakes. The purported benefits are primarily attributed to the plant’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, which are well-documented in traditional texts and some in vitro studies. For example, communities in India, Bangladesh, and Thailand have used crushed leaves as poultices to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and prevent infection after insect stings or animal bites.

However, scientific studies specifically validating the efficacy of P. foetida in treating bites and stings are limited. While some research has demonstrated that extracts of the plant exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, these findings are general and not directly linked to bite or sting models. No robust clinical trials or animal studies have confirmed its effectiveness for this specific use case. Consequently, the evidence supporting its application for bites and stings is primarily traditional, with limited scientific corroboration. The overall evidence strength is modest, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5, mostly based on ethnomedicinal reports rather than rigorous clinical data.

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