Evidence supporting the use of: Gambir
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions

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Synopsis

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

Gambir (Uncaria gambir), a botanical extract, has a long history of use in traditional Southeast Asian medicine, particularly within Indonesian and Malay cultures. It is primarily known for its high tannin content, which imparts astringent properties. Traditionally, gambir has been applied topically to minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The astringency helps contract tissues, potentially limiting bleeding and creating a barrier against infection. Ethnomedical texts and some historical records describe its use as a poultice or wash for minor skin injuries, citing its ability to "dry" and "cleanse" wounds.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While astringent tannins do have some antimicrobial and wound-healing properties in vitro, there are few, if any, modern clinical studies directly evaluating gambir's effectiveness for scratches and abrasions in humans. Most available research focuses on its chemical composition and general antimicrobial activity, rather than clinical outcomes. Therefore, while the traditional use of gambir for minor skin injuries is well documented, the evidence supporting its efficacy is largely anecdotal or based on plausible mechanisms rather than rigorous clinical trials.

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