Evidence supporting the use of: Alchornea
For the health condition: Gonorrhea

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Synopsis

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

Alchornea cordifolia, commonly known as the Christmas bush or African Christmas bush, has a long history of use in traditional African medicine, particularly for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea. Ethnobotanical surveys across various African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, report the use of leaf or root decoctions of Alchornea cordifolia by traditional healers to manage symptoms of gonorrhea and related genitourinary infections. The plant is also used for other conditions, such as wounds, malaria, and gastrointestinal complaints.

On the scientific front, a limited number of laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts of Alchornea cordifolia possess antibacterial activity in vitro against some pathogens, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. However, these studies are preliminary and typically conducted in test tubes, not in humans. There are no published clinical trials or robust scientific investigations confirming its safety or efficacy for the treatment of gonorrhea in humans. Thus, while traditional use is well documented and some biological plausibility exists, strong scientific evidence is lacking.

In summary, the use of Alchornea cordifolia for gonorrhea is rooted in traditional medicine practices, with only weak laboratory-level scientific support and no clinical validation to date.

More about Alchornea
More about Gonorrhea

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