Evidence supporting the use of: Thatch screw-pine
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Thatch screw-pine (Pandanus tectorius) has traditional uses in folk medicine across the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Among these, the use of its leaves, roots, or fruit for treating bites and stings—particularly from insects and sometimes marine creatures—has been documented in ethnobotanical surveys. The rationale in traditional medicine is often topical application of leaf pulp, a decoction, or juice to the affected area, believed to reduce inflammation, pain, or the risk of infection. However, scientific validation for these practices is minimal. While Pandanus tectorius contains some phytochemicals (such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds) with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, there are no clinical studies or robust pharmacological research directly supporting its efficacy for bites or stings. Most references to its use in this context are anecdotal or part of broader ethnomedical documentation, and there are no regulatory approvals or widely accepted medical guidelines endorsing its use for this purpose. Therefore, while its use is grounded in tradition, the strength of evidence is weak, and it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for bites or stings without further scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic acids
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Mustard
Spikenard
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Thatch screw-pine
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Debility
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating