Synopsis

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

Paederia foetida, commonly known as skunkvine, is traditionally used in various Asian systems of medicine for the treatment of malaria. Ethnobotanical surveys across India, Bangladesh, and other Southeast Asian countries have documented its use by local healers and indigenous communities as a remedy for intermittent fevers and malaria-like symptoms. The plant is typically administered as a decoction or juice of leaves and stems. However, while these practices are well established in traditional medicine, scientific validation is limited. A few preliminary phytochemical studies have identified the presence of iridoid glycosides and other compounds in P. foetida that may possess antimicrobial activity, but direct anti-malarial effects have not been conclusively demonstrated in rigorous laboratory or clinical settings. As of now, there is a lack of peer-reviewed, high-quality studies confirming its efficacy against Plasmodium species. Therefore, the evidence for its use in malaria is primarily traditional, and while it underscores the need for further research, current scientific support remains weak. Caution is advised if considering its use as a replacement for standard anti-malarial therapies.

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