Evidence supporting the use of: Matapalo Tree
For the health condition: Injuries
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The Matapalo tree, commonly referring to various species of parasitic figs in the genus Ficus (such as Ficus aurea), has a long-standing use in traditional medicine across Central and South America. Traditional healers often use the latex, bark, or leaves of the Matapalo tree to treat injuries, wounds, and skin conditions. Ethnobotanical reports describe the topical application of the latex or poultices made from the bark as a way to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and protect against infection. The rationale behind these uses is likely rooted in the tree's visible exudate and the widespread indigenous belief in the healing power of tree saps.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some laboratory studies on related Ficus species suggest that their latex may have antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties, but direct studies on Matapalo species and their efficacy in wound healing or injury treatment are sparse or lacking. Therefore, while traditional use is well-documented, robust scientific evidence to support these applications is minimal. The evidence rating reflects the reliance on traditional knowledge with only preliminary or indirect scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Injuries
aloe veraamino acids
bamboo
bayberry
beeswax
Indian frankincense
bovine
bromelain
chymotrypsin
collagen
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dandelion
dog rose
dyer’s woad root
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fungal protease
ginger
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
l-proline
licorice root
spruce
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
papain
protease
protein
purified silver
reishi mushroom
serratiopeptidase
silicon
trypsin
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
chaff flower
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
solomon's seal
amber
sheep's sorrel
wintergreen
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
abies spectabilis
geranium
arnica
Aralia
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
akebia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Aquilegia viridiflora
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
Agave
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Anserina
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Ampelopsis
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Acemannan
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Alkanna
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Animal protein
Bee Propolis
Biopeptide
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Black-Eyed Susan
Boswellic Acid
Beef Protein
Barleria
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Banyan
Bletilla
Black root
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Common Monkey Flower
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Ceylon Leadwort
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
cypress
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carlina
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Connective tissue growth factor
Cocklebur
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Deer Root
Damulin A
Deer Velvet
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dianthrone
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erythropalum scandens
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Euphorbia
Egg protein
Elastase
Oak
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
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)