Plectranthus amboinicus, commonly known as Indian borage or Mexican mint, has been traditionally used in various cultures for the treatment of infections, particularly respiratory and skin infections. However, beyond its ethnomedicinal use, there is some scientific evidence supporting its antimicrobial properties. Several in vitro studies have shown that extracts and essential oils from P. amboinicus exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activity against certain pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. These effects are largely attributed to active compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol present in the plant.

Despite promising laboratory results, clinical evidence in humans is lacking. There are no well-designed clinical trials confirming its efficacy for treating infections in people. Most of the available data are from laboratory studies or animal models, which limits the strength of the evidence. Therefore, while the traditional use of P. amboinicus for infections is supported by preliminary scientific findings about its antimicrobial activity, more robust human studies are needed to establish its safety and effectiveness for this purpose.