Evidence supporting the use of: Pentacyclic triterpenoids
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pentacyclic triterpenoids, a broad class of plant-derived compounds, have a history of use in traditional medicine for treating hemorrhoids. The most well-studied among them, such as escin (from horse chestnut) and betulinic acid (from birch bark), have been included in topical creams and oral formulations aimed at alleviating symptoms like swelling, pain, and inflammation. The traditional use stems from their reputed anti-inflammatory, astringent, and venotonic (vein-strengthening) properties. In particular, horse chestnut seed extract, which contains escin, has been recognized in European phytotherapy for managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoidal symptoms.
However, scientific evidence specifically targeting pentacyclic triterpenoids in the treatment of hemorrhoids is limited and generally of low quality. Most available studies focus on chronic venous insufficiency rather than hemorrhoids directly, and many trials are small, poorly controlled, or do not isolate the triterpenoid component. While animal and in vitro studies suggest anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective effects, robust clinical trials in hemorrhoid patients are lacking. Thus, while traditional use is established, scientific validation remains insufficient, and their use for hemorrhoids is primarily supported by historical and anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
AbrusAcacia
Achyranthes
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Aescin
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Angelica
anthocyanidins
anthraquinone
Antirrhinum majus
antler
apple
apple cider vinegar
apricot
Ardisia
aster root
avens
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Barleria
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
Bergenia
betel
bilberry
bioflavonoids
birch
Black Hellebore
black nightshade
black root
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
bran
Brassica
butcher's broom
cabbage
cactus
Caesalpinia crista
capsicum
Carthamus
castor oil
Celosia
chamomile
chard
chestnut
Chinese silkvine
Chondrus
cinquefoil
citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut oil
colocynth
commiphora
Cucurbita
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
dandelion
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
Embelia
escin
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
Ficus simplicissima
geranium
gotu kola
green chiretta
hazelnut
horse chestnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
lemon
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
Lycopodium
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Morinda
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Myrrh
Nettle
Nimbidin
Nymphaea nouchali
Oak
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
Oroxylum indicum
pagoda tree
Papayotin
parsley
paw paw
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Persimmon
phellodendron amurense
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
Portulaca
proanthocyanidins
prune
Prunus
psyllium
punarnava
rhubarb
Rosa laevigata
Rosabin
Rubia cordifolia
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
rutin
Rutosides
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
sea salt
seaweed
Shark Liver Oil
shepherd's purse
slippery elm bark
Sumac
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Tannins
Taraxacin
Terminalia
Triphala
Troxerutin
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Witch Hazel
Yellow Dock
Zinc
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Abdominal PainAcne
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
