Evidence supporting the use of: Matapalo Tree
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The Matapalo tree, also known as "Strangler Fig" (Ficus spp.), has a history of traditional use in various parts of Central and South America, including the Amazon region. Indigenous communities have utilized different parts of the tree—such as bark, leaves, and latex—for a range of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of infections, wounds, and inflammatory conditions. The rationale for its use against viral infections is largely rooted in traditional knowledge, where decoctions or topical preparations are believed to have healing or antimicrobial properties. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting antiviral activity is limited. While some preliminary laboratory studies on related Ficus species have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, conclusive evidence for antiviral efficacy, specifically for Matapalo, is lacking. No well-controlled clinical trials or robust phytochemical studies have yet established its effectiveness against human viral infections. Therefore, while its use is well-documented in ethnomedicine for treating infections (some of which may be viral), scientific validation remains weak. Future research is needed to isolate and characterize any potential antiviral compounds and to assess their efficacy and safety.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-FucosyllactoseAbies spectabilis
Acemannan
Agarikon Mushroom
Agastache
Agave
AHCC
Ajoene
Alchornea
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
alpha-pinene
Alstonia scholaris
Amor seco
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Artepillin C
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aucubin
Aureobasidium pullulans
babchi
Baccharis dracunculifolia
baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Bauhinia
bee propolis
Belamcanda
berberine
beta-glucan
betel
betulinic acid
black cumin
Blepharis
boneset
Brazilian peppertree
burdock
calamus
Campsiandra angustifolia
carvacrol
cassia bark
casticin
cat's claw
Centipeda
Cistus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Coptis chinensis
coriolus mushroom
curcumin
cuspidatum root
Cymbidium goeringii
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
eucalyptus
European Elder
fernbush
Flueggea suffruticosa
fucoidan
galangin
Gallesia
geranium
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
golden shower tree
goldenseal
Graviola
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Hypericin
immunoglobin G
Immunoglobulin G
iodine
Ivy
Java brucea
Kachnar
knotgrass
Labdanum
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Lapachol
lauric acid
Lentinan
lichen
licorice root
liverwort
Lomatium
mangosteen
mangostin
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Monolaurin
Mountain horopito
Myrobalan
Naphthoquinones
oriental arborvitae
pau d'arco
Pelargonium
Phellodendron
phlorotannins
Phragmites
Piper retrofractum
pistacia integerrima gall
polysaccharides
Premna
Quebracho
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Rhabdosia rubescens
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Sanguisorba
sarsaparilla
selenium
Shikimic Acid
Shikonin
Simaruba
Smoketree
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
sweet wormwood
Swertia
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Trametes
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Xanthoparmelia
Xanthorrhizol
Yellow root
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Matapalo Tree
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Itching
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
