Evidence supporting the use of: Borassus aethiopum
For the health condition: Boils
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Borassus aethiopum, commonly known as the African fan palm, has a history of traditional use in African ethnomedicine for the treatment of various skin conditions, including boils. In several West and Central African communities, parts of the plant such as the leaves, roots, and pulp are applied topically or used in poultices to help draw out pus and reduce inflammation associated with boils. The rationale for this use is primarily empirical, based on observations and practices passed down through generations rather than on scientific validation.
There is currently a lack of robust, peer-reviewed scientific research specifically evaluating Borassus aethiopum’s efficacy against boils or confirming the presence of potent antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory compounds in the plant. While some studies have explored the phytochemical content of Borassus aethiopum, such as the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins—which are known for their general antimicrobial and healing properties—direct evidence linking these constituents to the successful treatment of boils is absent. As such, the use of Borassus aethiopum for boils is best described as traditional with low-level evidence (rated 2/5), reflecting empirical support but lacking modern clinical or pharmacological validation.
Other ingredients used for Boils
activated charcoalajoene
allspice
aloe vera
bayberry
black walnut
burdock
bасора
chamomile
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
garlic bulb
goldenseal
Japanese sophora
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
magnesium
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
squawvine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
boxthorne
buckthorn
myrrh
siler root
amber
fern
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Aquilegia viridiflora
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Alliin
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Iris
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Poppy
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Borassus aethiopum
Abdominal PainAnemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Debility
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Goiter
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Malaria
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Phlebitis
Pneumonia
Psoriasis