Evidence supporting the use of: Alchornea
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alchornea cordifolia, commonly known as African Christmas bush, has a long history of use in traditional African medicine for the management of infectious diseases, including those of viral origin. Ethnobotanical surveys across West and Central Africa report the use of its leaves, roots, and bark in decoctions and infusions intended to treat conditions such as fever, respiratory illnesses, and other ailments suggestive of viral infections. However, the majority of evidence supporting its use for viral infections is anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific validation.
Some preliminary laboratory studies have investigated the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of extracts from A. cordifolia. For instance, in vitro studies indicate that certain extracts possess inhibitory effects against viruses like herpes simplex virus and potentially HIV, but these findings are not consistent or conclusive. The active compounds responsible for these effects are not yet fully characterized, and there is a lack of animal or human clinical trial data to confirm efficacy or safety for viral infections.
Overall, while its traditional use for infection (including viral) is well-documented, scientific validation remains limited. The evidence base is therefore primarily traditional, with some low-level experimental support but insufficient clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-FucosyllactoseAjoene
alpha-pinene
arabinogalactan
barberry
Myrobalan
berberine
beta-glucan
betel
black cumin
burdock
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
iodine
honeysuckle
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
Monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
Turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Xylitol
Zinc
sarsaparilla
Yellow root
boneset
pistacia integerrima gall
Swertia
pau d'arco
Yerba santa
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
geranium
Agarikon Mushroom
apple cider vinegar
Agastache
Agave
anamu
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
AHCC
aucubin
andrographolide
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alstonia scholaris
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Artepillin C
bee propolis
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
betulinic acid
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bauhinia
baicalin
Belamcanda
coriolus mushroom
carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
dialyzable leukocyte extract
European Elder
Echinacea
fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
fernbush
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Graviola
galangin
Gallesia
golden shower tree
Hypericin
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Immunoglobulin G
Ivy
Java brucea
Kachnar
knotgrass
Lentinan
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
lichen
Lapachol
liverwort
Labdanum
Mountain horopito
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
mangostin
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Naphthoquinones
Phellodendron
Premna
Phragmites
polysaccharides
phlorotannins
Pelargonium
Piper retrofractum
Quebracho
Rhabdosia rubescens
ravinsara
Shikonin
Sanguisorba
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Smoketree
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Trametes
Thiosulfinate
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Alchornea
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Cough (general)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Ear Infection or Earache
Eye Infections
Fever
Gonorrhea
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Malaria
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Snake Bite
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores