Evidence supporting the use of: Euphorbia
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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

Euphorbia species have been traditionally used in various cultures for the treatment of skin ailments, including fungal infections. Ethnobotanical records from regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America indicate the use of Euphorbia latex or extracts applied topically to treat conditions believed to be caused by fungi, such as ringworm or athlete's foot. The traditional rationale often cites the caustic and irritant properties of the latex, which may have been perceived as effective in eradicating superficial pathogens.

However, scientific studies directly evaluating the antifungal efficacy of Euphorbia extracts are limited. Some in vitro studies have reported that certain compounds isolated from Euphorbia species, such as diterpenes, exhibit modest antifungal activity against common pathogens like Candida albicans and dermatophytes. Despite these findings, the evidence remains preliminary, and there are no robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy or safety of Euphorbia preparations for fungal infections in humans. Furthermore, the irritant and toxic nature of Euphorbia latex raises safety concerns for topical use.

In summary, the use of Euphorbia for fungal infections is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with some weak in vitro support but lacking substantial scientific validation or clinical evidence as of 2024.

More about Euphorbia
More about Fungal Infections

Products containing Euphorbia

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