Evidence supporting the use of: Isatis
For the health condition: Herpes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Isatis (commonly known as woad, with Isatis tinctoria and Isatis indigotica as species used in traditional medicine) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for conditions associated with "heat" and "toxicity," including viral infections such as herpes simplex. The root (Ban Lan Gen) and leaf (Da Qing Ye) are the main medicinal parts. In TCM, Isatis is traditionally prescribed as part of formulas intended to "clear heat" and "resolve toxins," which by traditional theory may relate to symptoms of herpes outbreaks such as sores and inflammation.
However, the evidence supporting its clinical efficacy for herpes is limited. Some in vitro studies have shown that extracts of Isatis species possess antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV), but these studies are preliminary and do not directly translate to proven effects in humans. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials demonstrating Isatis's effectiveness for treating or managing herpes in clinical settings. Most of the rationale for its use remains rooted in traditional practice and empirical use, rather than robust scientific validation. As such, its use is best characterized as traditional, with weak scientific support (evidence rating 2/5) based mostly on laboratory studies and historical use rather than rigorous clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Herpes
aloe verabisabolol
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
goldenseal
honeysuckle
l-lysine
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
monolaurin
oregon grape
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
vitamin C
zinc
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
ganoderma
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Acemannan
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bitter Grass
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Centipeda
Dianthus
Docosanol
Ellagic Acid
Echinacea
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Isatis
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Contagious Diseases
Cuts
Diphtheria
Eczema
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Fever
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Herpes