Leptadenia, particularly Leptadenia reticulata, has a history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine systems in India. It is commonly known as "Jivanti" and is used for a variety of purposes, including as a general tonic and for promoting lactation. Regarding the treatment of boils, there are references in traditional medicine texts and ethnobotanical surveys that mention the use of Leptadenia leaves or extracts topically to support healing of skin infections, abscesses, and boils. The rationale in traditional systems is often based on the plant's purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. However, the evidence supporting this use is largely anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

Scientifically, there are a limited number of studies evaluating the antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity of Leptadenia species, and even fewer specifically addressing boils (which are typically caused by bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus). Some laboratory studies suggest mild antimicrobial effects of extracts from Leptadenia reticulata, but there is no robust clinical trial data or systematic research validating its efficacy for boils in humans. Therefore, while traditional use is documented, scientific evidence is weak, and the overall quality of evidence supporting its use for boils is quite low.