Evidence supporting the use of: Naphthoquinones
For the health condition: Lesions

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Naphthoquinones, a class of organic compounds that includes agents like lapachol and plumbagin, have demonstrated notable antimicrobial, antiviral, and wound healing activities in preclinical settings. These compounds are found in various plants (e.g., Tabebuia avellanedae, Plumbago spp.) and have a long history of use in folk medicine for treating skin lesions, ulcers, and infections. Scientifically, the most compelling evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies, which reveal that naphthoquinones exert antimicrobial effects against bacteria, fungi, and parasites commonly implicated in skin lesions. Additionally, some studies have shown that naphthoquinones can modulate inflammatory responses and promote re-epithelialization in wound models, suggesting a role in accelerating lesion healing. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited. Some topical formulations containing naphthoquinones (notably from Lapacho bark) have been tested for efficacy in chronic skin ulcers and infected lesions, with preliminary results indicating potential benefits, but these studies are often small and methodologically limited. Systemic use is generally restricted due to potential toxicity. Overall, while there is promising preclinical data and preliminary clinical observations supporting the use of naphthoquinones for lesion support and treatment, the current evidence base is moderate and further high-quality human studies are needed to firmly establish efficacy and safety.

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