Evidence supporting the use of: Oregon grape
For the health condition: Herpes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) has been used in traditional herbal medicine, primarily by Native American peoples and later by Western herbalists, for a variety of skin-related ailments due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Its use for herpes (including cold sores or genital herpes) is based more on general traditional applications for skin eruptions and infections rather than specific, targeted antiviral action against herpes simplex virus (HSV). The root and bark contain berberine, a compound with documented antimicrobial and modest antiviral activity in laboratory studies, but there is little direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for herpes infections in humans. A few in vitro studies suggest berberine can inhibit HSV replication, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice or validated by human trials. Consequently, while Oregon grape may be recommended in some traditional or naturopathic protocols for managing herpes symptoms, its use is not strongly justified by scientific evidence. Most recommendations are extrapolated from its broader use for skin and mucous membrane infections. Overall, the evidence is limited and primarily traditional in nature, warranting a low evidence rating.

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