Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Matico (Piper aduncum) has a long history of traditional use in South American herbal medicine, especially among indigenous peoples, for the treatment of external bleeding. The leaves of the plant are often applied directly to wounds or used in poultices to help stop bleeding and promote healing. Historical reports from the 19th century, including accounts by European explorers and physicians, document the use of Matico as a hemostatic agent during military campaigns and in rural medical practice. The plant was even introduced into European pharmacopeias as a wound treatment based on these observations.

While the traditional use is well-established, scientific validation is limited. Some phytochemical studies have identified compounds in Matico, such as essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which may confer astringent and antimicrobial properties. These constituents could plausibly contribute to wound healing and local vasoconstriction, thus reducing bleeding. However, controlled clinical trials or robust experimental data specifically confirming Matico's efficacy and safety for external bleeding are lacking. The evidence for its use is therefore primarily traditional, supported by observational and ethnobotanical reports rather than modern scientific research.

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Other health conditions supported by Matico

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