Synopsis

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

Heartwood, particularly from trees such as Dalbergia sissoo (Indian rosewood) and Acacia catechu (black catechu), has been used in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, to address bacterial infections and other ailments. The traditional use is rooted in the observation that heartwood extracts possess properties such as astringency, antimicrobial activity, and anti-inflammatory effects. For example, decoctions or extracts made from the heartwood of Acacia catechu have been used historically for oral infections, wounds, and digestive complaints thought to have infectious origins.

However, the scientific evidence supporting these traditional uses is relatively limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts from certain heartwoods exhibit antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, likely due to the presence of polyphenols and tannins. Clinical studies in humans, however, are scarce, and most available data are from laboratory or animal research. As such, while traditional use is well-documented and there is preliminary scientific rationale for the antibacterial effects of heartwood extracts, robust clinical validation is lacking. Therefore, the use of heartwood to support or treat bacterial infection is primarily justified by tradition, with only low to moderate supporting evidence from scientific studies.

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Other ingredients used for Infection (bacterial)

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