Synopsis

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

Swertia, a genus of plants used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for a variety of ailments, including infectious diseases. Historical records indicate that Swertia species (notably Swertia chirayita) have been employed as a bitter tonic and for their purported antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In traditional practices, Swertia is often recommended for fevers, which would sometimes be caused by viral infections, although practitioners historically would not have distinguished between viral and bacterial causes. The plant’s use against infection is primarily based on its inclusion in compound herbal formulations for general immune support and fever reduction. While preclinical studies suggest that certain extracts and compounds from Swertia species possess antimicrobial activity, most of this research has focused on antibacterial and antiparasitic effects rather than direct antiviral activity. There is very limited scientific evidence specifically evaluating Swertia’s efficacy against viral infections in humans. Therefore, its use for viral infections is supported mainly by traditional knowledge, with only modest corroboration from laboratory studies. High-quality clinical trials are lacking. As such, while Swertia is traditionally used to support treatment of infections—which may include viral infections—evidence for its effectiveness in this context remains limited.

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