Evidence supporting the use of: Soapberry
For the health condition: Poison Ivy or Oak

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Soapberry (Sapindus spp.) is primarily used in traditional medicine as a remedy for skin ailments, including poison ivy or oak dermatitis. The historical use is based on the soap-like compounds in the berries, called saponins, which can create a lather and have been used as a natural cleanser by various indigenous peoples. Traditional practices have involved using soapberry extracts or decoctions to wash the skin after exposure to poison ivy or oak, with the belief that the cleansing action may help remove urushiol oil—the allergenic component responsible for the rash. However, there is minimal scientific research directly evaluating the efficacy of soapberry in treating or preventing poison ivy or oak dermatitis. No clinical trials or robust preclinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness for this purpose. The rating of 1 reflects that the evidence is limited to anecdotal and ethnobotanical reports, and there is a lack of rigorous scientific validation. Therefore, while soapberry's use is rooted in tradition, its clinical effectiveness and safety for this specific indication remain unproven.

More about Soapberry
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