Evidence supporting the use of: Blackberry
For the health condition: Dysentery

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Synopsis

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

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. The leaves, roots, and sometimes the fruits have been used in various cultures, especially in European herbal medicine, as a remedy for gastrointestinal complaints. The astringent properties of blackberry are attributed to its high tannin content, which can help reduce inflammation and tighten mucous membranes in the gut, thereby decreasing stool frequency and fluid loss.

Historical texts, such as those by Culpeper and other early European herbalists, frequently mention blackberry as a standard treatment for "fluxes" (a term that often referred to dysentery or severe diarrhea). Preparations typically involved infusions or decoctions of the leaves or root bark.

Modern scientific studies on blackberry's effectiveness specifically for dysentery are limited. However, some laboratory studies have confirmed its antimicrobial and astringent effects, which lend some plausibility to its traditional use. Despite this, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans directly assessing its efficacy against dysentery. Thus, while there is traditional precedent and some supporting pharmacological rationale, scientific validation is weak, and the evidence base would be rated a 2 out of 5.

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