Evidence supporting the use of: Sphaeranthus indicus
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sphaeranthus indicus, commonly known as East Indian globe thistle, has a longstanding role in various traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and Unani, for the management of eye diseases including conjunctivitis. Traditional uses are documented in classical Ayurvedic texts, where the plant is employed for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. The flowers and leaves are sometimes used in the form of decoctions or pastes applied topically to the eyes, or as washes to alleviate redness, discharge, and irritation associated with conjunctivitis.
However, direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Sphaeranthus indicus specifically for conjunctivitis is limited. A few in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of the plant possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which could theoretically be beneficial in treating conjunctivitis, a condition often caused by bacterial or viral infections and characterized by inflammation. For example, some studies have demonstrated inhibitory effects of Sphaeranthus indicus extracts against common pathogens and reduction of inflammation in animal models. However, these findings are not directly linked to clinical studies on conjunctivitis in humans.
In summary, the use of Sphaeranthus indicus for conjunctivitis is primarily based on traditional practices rather than robust clinical evidence. The traditional claims are partially supported by preliminary pharmacological studies, but high-quality, targeted clinical research is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Conjunctivitis
AconiteAlchornea
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
astragalin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
baicalin
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
Belamcanda
bermuda grass
Bidens pilosa
bilberry
black currant
Butea monosperma
cat's claw
Chinese raisintree
Chinese salvia root
chrysanthemum
colloidal silver
commiphora
echinacea purpurea
Eclipta
elderberry
eucalyptus
Eyebright
forsythia
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
green tea
heal-all
honey
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Lactoperoxidase
Ligustrum
liverwort
Lycopodium
lysozyme
Macaranga indica
Neem tree
Nettle
Nimbidin
Paris polyphylla
phellodendron amurense
plantain
pomegranate
Propolis
Pulsatilla
quercetin
resveratrol
Rosa laevigata
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stereospermum
Swertia
Thymus
Trichosanthes
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin C
xanthium (cockleburs)
Xanthophyll
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Sphaeranthus indicus
Abdominal PainAcne
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fever
