Synopsis

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

Zanthoxylum species, particularly Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxylum bungeanum, have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and folk medicine in various Asian countries. Traditionally, different parts of the plant (bark, seeds, fruit) have been used to address a variety of ailments, including infections, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Among these uses, Zanthoxylum has been applied topically and sometimes internally for the management of fungal infections, particularly skin-related mycoses. This traditional application is likely based on observed antimicrobial effects, as well as the plant’s warming and astringent properties as described in TCM.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the antifungal efficacy of Zanthoxylum is currently limited. Some preliminary in vitro studies have shown that extracts from Zanthoxylum species possess mild to moderate antifungal activity against certain fungal strains, such as Candida albicans and dermatophytes, but these results have not been robustly replicated or validated in clinical settings. No high-quality clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of Zanthoxylum for treating fungal infections in humans. Thus, while traditional use is established and there is some basic research supporting possible antifungal effects, the overall level of scientific evidence remains low. Further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of Zanthoxylum for this purpose.

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