Evidence supporting the use of: Pepper Bark Tree
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of the Pepper Bark Tree (Warburgia salutaris), also known as African Pepper-Bark Tree, for treating scratches and abrasions is primarily rooted in traditional medicine. Indigenous groups in southern and eastern Africa have long used preparations from its bark and leaves for various ailments, including as topical applications for wounds, cuts, and skin infections. Ethnobotanical surveys report its use in poultices or as a wash to support healing and reduce infection risk in minor skin injuries, suggesting a longstanding cultural belief in its efficacy.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that Warburgia salutaris contains antimicrobial compounds such as drimane sesquiterpenes, which exhibit activity against a range of bacteria and fungi. However, these studies are mostly in vitro and do not directly confirm clinical efficacy in treating scratches or abrasions. There is a lack of rigorous clinical research specifically validating its effectiveness for wound healing or skin abrasions in humans.
In summary, while there is moderate traditional use supported by some laboratory evidence of antimicrobial properties, the direct application to scratches and abrasions has not been scientifically validated with high-quality clinical studies. The traditional use is thus partially substantiated by preliminary science, but strong clinical evidence is lacking.
More about Pepper Bark Tree
More about Scratches and Abrasions
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bee propolis
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bisabolene
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black poplar
black root
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blackbrush
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bleeding heart
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Campsiandra angustifolia
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candleberry
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chamomile
chickweed
Chinese thoroughwax
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cocklebur
columbine
comfrey
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common zinnia
copaiba oil
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cranesbill
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deerbrush
devil\'s club
dragon\'s blood
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dyer’s woad root
elemi
elephant vine
elkweed
emu oil
English elm
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fiesta flower
figwort
fir
fireweed
fleabane
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four-leaved grass
Gambir
Genipa americana
geranium
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glyceryl monolaurate
golden ragwort
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hairy arnica
hartstongue
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henna
hound\'s tongue
Immortelle
impatiens
iodine
Japanese sophora
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jojoba oil
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lacquertree
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lauric acid
Leptospermum scoparium
lilac
Lygodium
Lysimachia
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Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Microtea debilis
Monardella odoratissima
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Oak
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oriental arborvitae
Pacific madrone
paederia foetida
Panthenol
parthenium
peacock\'s tail
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Pepper Bark Tree
Peroxidase
Pink Root
Plumbago zeylanica
Plumeria lancifolia
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Povidone
protease
proteolytic enzymes
Psacalium peltatum
Purple Avens
purple Tephrosia
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red alder
red soapwort
red spiderling
Rhus coraria
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
rubber rabbitbrush
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Sapindus mukorossi
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slippery elm bark
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Tansy
tartarian aster
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Teucrium marum
Thuja
Toadflax
Tridax
Triplaris peruviana
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turmeric
Tynanthus elegans
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
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White Dead Nettle Flower
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White oak
White Poplar
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Witch Hazel
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Woodwardia
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Other health conditions supported by Pepper Bark Tree
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Athlete's Foot
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
