Evidence supporting the use of: Euphorbia (unspecified)
For the health condition: Lesions

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Synopsis

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

Euphorbia species have a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various skin conditions, including lesions, warts, ulcers, and wounds. The milky latex or sap of Euphorbia plants contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as diterpenes and triterpenes, which have been used ethnobotanically for their caustic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In many traditional medicine systems, particularly in Africa, Asia, and South America, Euphorbia latex has been topically applied to skin lesions, warts, and other abnormal growths to induce local irritation, promote sloughing of infected or dead tissue, and facilitate healing. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document these uses, but they also report caution due to the latex’s potential to cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and even toxicity. Scientific validation for these practices is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that certain Euphorbia extracts exhibit antimicrobial or cytotoxic activity, which might theoretically aid in the treatment of lesions. However, robust clinical trials or standardized preparations are lacking, and the risk of adverse effects is significant. Therefore, while the use of Euphorbia for lesions is well-supported by traditional knowledge, conclusive scientific evidence is insufficient, and safety concerns limit its modern application.

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