Evidence supporting the use of: Blackboard tree
For the health condition: Chills

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

The use of the blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) to treat or support chills is primarily based on traditional medicine practices rather than modern scientific validation. In Ayurvedic and some Southeast Asian traditional systems, various parts of the blackboard tree—especially the bark—have been used to address fevers and intermittent chills, which are often associated with malaria or other infectious diseases. Traditional healers have prepared decoctions or infusions of the bark, sometimes combining it with other herbs, to reduce symptoms of chills and fever.

However, the supporting evidence for its efficacy in treating chills is limited. While there are some laboratory studies indicating that Alstonia scholaris may possess antipyretic (fever-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most references to its use for chills are rooted in ethnobotanical surveys and historical texts rather than placebo-controlled research. Some phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids and other compounds with potential pharmacological activity, but these have not been specifically linked to the mechanism of treating chills.

In summary, the use of blackboard tree for chills is justified by traditional usage, with minimal scientific evidence to support its efficacy. The evidence rating is therefore low, acknowledging the absence of rigorous clinical validation despite its historical role in herbal medicine systems.

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