Evidence supporting the use of: Purple Tephrosia
For the health condition: Bites and Stings

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Synopsis

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

Purple Tephrosia (Tephrosia purpurea) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and folk practices across South Asia and Africa. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, especially leaves and roots, have been applied topically as poultices or pastes to treat insect bites, stings, and minor skin irritations. Ethnobotanical records indicate that healers believed the plant could neutralize toxins, reduce inflammation, and promote healing at the site of envenomation or irritation. This use is likely linked to the plant’s documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as demonstrated in several laboratory studies on extracts of Tephrosia purpurea.

However, direct scientific studies evaluating the efficacy of Purple Tephrosia specifically for bites and stings are lacking. Most research has focused on its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects in other contexts. While these properties could theoretically benefit bite or sting victims by reducing inflammation and secondary infection, there is currently no clinical or robust preclinical data to confirm effectiveness for this specific use. Thus, the evidence supporting Purple Tephrosia for bites and stings is primarily traditional, with limited indirect scientific support for its general pharmacological properties.

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