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

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Synopsis

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

Pine, especially in the form of pine tar, pine oil, or pine needle extracts, has a long history of traditional use for treating various skin conditions, including fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. In folk medicine, pine preparations have been applied topically to address symptoms of itching, irritation, and infection. The traditional rationale is based on the perceived antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities of pine resins and oils. From a scientific perspective, some in vitro studies have demonstrated that pine essential oils possess mild antifungal activity against dermatophytes and yeasts. The primary compounds responsible are thought to be terpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, which disrupt fungal cell membranes. However, these effects are modest and have not been validated in large-scale clinical trials for human fungal infections. There is also a lack of standardized formulations and dosing guidelines, and studies on safety and efficacy in human subjects are limited. Overall, while pine’s use for fungal infections is well-documented in traditional medicine, and there is some preliminary laboratory evidence of antifungal activity, the quality and quantity of scientific data supporting its clinical effectiveness are insufficient. Thus, pine’s use for fungal infections is justified primarily by tradition, with limited scientific backing.

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