Evidence supporting the use of: Desmodium molliculum
For the health condition: Insect Repellant

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Synopsis

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

Desmodium molliculum, commonly known as "manayupa" in Peru, is a plant used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. Regarding its use as an insect repellent, the justification is primarily based on traditional practices rather than strong scientific evidence. Ethnobotanical surveys in Peru and other regions of South America have documented that local communities utilize the leaves of Desmodium molliculum to repel insects, often by rubbing the fresh leaves on the skin or placing them in living areas to deter mosquitoes and other pests. This practice is grounded in ancestral knowledge passed down through generations. However, there is a lack of rigorous scientific studies evaluating the efficacy of Desmodium molliculum as an insect repellent. A few phytochemical analyses have indicated the presence of aromatic compounds and essential oils in the plant, which may have repellent properties, but these findings have not been systematically tested in controlled trials for repellent activity. Therefore, while its use as an insect repellent is well-documented in traditional medicine, scientific validation is limited. The overall strength of evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose remains low, primarily confined to ethnobotanical reports and anecdotal accounts.

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