Evidence supporting the use of: Acacia
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Acacia, particularly Acacia senegal (gum arabic), has a long history of traditional use in wound care, including the treatment of scratches and abrasions. Traditional medicine systems in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia have applied acacia gum topically to minor wounds, primarily for its soothing, demulcent, and protective properties. The gum forms a protective layer over mucous membranes and skin, which may help prevent infection and promote healing.
Scientific validation for acacia’s topical use in wound healing is limited, though some in vitro and animal studies suggest acacia extracts may exhibit mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly assessing the efficacy of acacia for treating scratches or abrasions in humans. Most evidence supporting its use is anecdotal or based on ethnobotanical surveys.
Overall, acacia’s primary justification for use in this context is based on traditional practices rather than strong scientific evidence. Its application is considered generally safe, but the level of scientific support is modest, reflecting a score of 2 out of 5.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by acacia
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Debility
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Emotional Sensitivity
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair Care (general)
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Leprosy
Lesions
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Sore Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores