Evidence supporting the use of: Ivy
For the health condition: Jaundice (adults)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Ivy, most commonly referring to Hedera helix (English ivy), has been used in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in Europe and some parts of Asia, for a range of ailments including respiratory issues and skin conditions. Historical records from European herbal medicine occasionally mention ivy leaves or berries being used as a folk remedy for liver complaints, including jaundice. However, these uses are sparse and not a major part of the historical materia medica for jaundice. The rationale in traditional systems was often based on the "doctrine of signatures" or the plant's perceived cleansing properties, rather than empirical evidence.
There is no robust scientific evidence to support the use of English ivy or related species in the treatment of jaundice in adults. Modern herbal references and pharmacological studies focus primarily on ivy's expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects for respiratory conditions, not liver or biliary diseases. Ivy contains saponins and other compounds that may have biological activity, but no clinical studies or validated pharmacological mechanisms support its use for jaundice.
In summary, the use of ivy for jaundice is rooted more in sporadic traditional practices than in any scientific validation. The evidence is extremely limited and not strong enough to recommend its use for this condition.
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betel
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turmeric
dandelion
gooseberry
heartwood
honeysuckle
licorice root
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
plum fruit
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scrophularia root
silymarin
chickweed
typhonium
alpinia galangal
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blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
morus
sweetgums
birch
sheep's sorrel
peach
white oak
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Arani
Borotutu
Babchi
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Beef liver
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Banyan
black salt
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bergenia
Chinese Silkvine
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Chirata
Calamus
Carthamus
Colocynth
Clerodendrum indicum
Didymocarpus
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Embelia
Goldthread
Ivy
Lotus
Little ironweed
Orchid
Rhubarb
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood