Evidence supporting the use of: Petiveria
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as "guinea hen weed" or "anamu," has a long history of use in traditional medicine throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It is frequently employed as a remedy for colds and respiratory ailments, including as a decongestant. The traditional use is based largely on ethnobotanical reports and folk medicine practices, where the plant's leaves, roots, or decoctions are used to alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, and general malaise associated with colds.

Scientific studies on Petiveria alliacea have identified a variety of bioactive compounds, including sulfur-containing molecules, flavonoids, and triterpenes, some of which have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in animal models. However, direct evidence supporting its efficacy specifically as a decongestant or in treating cold symptoms in humans is lacking. No well-controlled clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness for respiratory tract infections or congestion. Thus, while the traditional use is well documented, scientific validation remains preliminary and indirect at best.

In summary, the use of Petiveria alliacea for colds and as a decongestant is rooted in traditional medicine, with some preclinical pharmacological research suggesting plausibility, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm its efficacy for this indication.

More about Petiveria
More about Colds (decongestant)

Products containing Petiveria

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.