Evidence supporting the use of: Indian Redwood
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis

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Synopsis

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

Indian Redwood (Biancaea sappan, formerly Caesalpinia sappan) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and other South Asian systems. It has been used for a variety of ailments, including eye conditions such as conjunctivitis. Historical Ayurvedic texts reference the use of Indian Redwood extracts or decoctions as eyewashes or topical treatments designed to reduce inflammation, redness, and discomfort associated with conjunctivitis ("netra abhishyanda"). The presumed mechanism is its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as supported by some in vitro studies showing that extracts possess compounds such as brazilin and sappanin with antibacterial activity.

However, while preclinical research suggests Indian Redwood has relevant bioactive properties, there is a lack of direct, high-quality clinical trials or modern scientific studies specifically evaluating its efficacy or safety for conjunctivitis in humans. The evidence for its use in this context is thus largely traditional, rooted in ethnomedical practices. The safety profile for topical ocular application has not been robustly established in clinical settings. Therefore, while Indian Redwood continues to be used in some traditional formulations for eye health, its use for conjunctivitis is primarily justified by historical precedent rather than rigorous scientific validation.

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