Evidence supporting the use of: Anserina
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Potentilla anserina, commonly known as silverweed or Anserina, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European folk traditions. Historically, it has been applied externally to the skin for its purported wound-healing, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. Folk remedies have recommended poultices or washes made from the leaves or aerial parts of the plant to treat minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. The rationale is based on its tannin content, which can help contract tissues and potentially reduce bleeding or oozing from superficial skin injuries.
However, while these traditional uses are well documented in ethnobotanical literature, there is very limited scientific validation for the efficacy of Anserina in treating scratches or abrasions. Modern pharmacological studies have focused more on its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory activities in other contexts, and there are few, if any, clinical trials or laboratory studies specifically examining its effects on wound healing or skin repair. Thus, its use for scratches and abrasions remains primarily justified by traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence.
The evidence rating of 2 reflects that, although there is a clear history of traditional topical use, there is a lack of direct scientific research supporting its efficacy for this indication.
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 Anserina
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Arthritis
Backache
Bleeding (internal)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Inflammation
Injuries
Labor and Delivery
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Miscarriage (prevention)
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores