Evidence supporting the use of: Storax
For the health condition: Fungal Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Storax (Styrax benzoin or related species) has a long history of traditional use as a topical remedy for various skin conditions, including fungal infections. In traditional medicine systems—such as those documented in European and Middle Eastern pharmacopeias—storax resin was employed for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, often as an ingredient in ointments and balms for treating wounds, ulcers, and skin infections, including those suspected to be fungal in nature (e.g., tinea or ringworm).
Scientific studies on storax's efficacy specifically against fungal pathogens are limited. Some in vitro research has demonstrated modest antifungal activity of storax extracts or their primary components (such as cinnamic acid derivatives and benzoin compounds) against certain fungal species. However, these studies are sparse, and the concentrations tested often exceed what would be used topically on human skin. There are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews confirming storax’s effectiveness or safety as an antifungal agent in humans.
Therefore, while the use of storax to support or treat fungal infections is well-rooted in traditional practice, scientific validation is minimal. The evidence supporting its use is primarily historical, and contemporary guidelines do not recommend storax for fungal infections due to the lack of high-quality clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections
ajoenealoe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
basil
beta-pinene
bisabolol
black walnut
caprylic acid
chamomile
cinnamon
turmeric
goldenseal
green tea
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
monolaurin
oregano
oregon grape
phenolic acids
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
undecylenic acid
neem tree
nut grass
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
pau d'arco
lemongrass
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Allicin
Anamu
Ajuga
Ampelopsis
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Alantolactone
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Borate
Black Nightshade
benzyl isothiocyanate
Borneol
Curry leaf
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Citral
Centipeda
Chalcone
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Dianthus
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Storax
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Ear Infection or Earache
Eye Infections
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores