Evidence supporting the use of: Brazilian peppertree
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) for treating infections, including viral infections, is primarily rooted in traditional medicine. In South America, especially in Brazil, indigenous peoples and local communities have long used various parts of the plant—such as bark, leaves, and berries—for their purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Ethnobotanical records indicate applications for respiratory infections, wounds, and genitourinary tract infections, but these uses are largely anecdotal or based on traditional beliefs rather than rigorous clinical trials.
Scientific research has mostly focused on the antimicrobial (especially antibacterial and antifungal) activity of Brazilian peppertree extracts. Laboratory studies have demonstrated some inhibitory effects against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and some antifungal activity. However, evidence specifically addressing antiviral properties is limited. A few in vitro studies suggest modest antiviral activity, but there are no robust clinical trials or comprehensive animal studies supporting efficacy against viral infections in humans. Therefore, while traditional use for infections is well documented, scientific validation for antiviral effectiveness is currently weak and mostly preliminary.
In summary, Brazilian peppertree is traditionally used for infections, but its specific use for viral infections is supported primarily by tradition and only limited laboratory evidence, not by strong clinical research.
More about Brazilian peppertree
More about Infection (viral)
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
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus paracasei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
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
Alsonia 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 Brazilian peppertree
AbrasionsAbscesses
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Fungal Infections
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Lesions
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Wounds and Sores