Evidence supporting the use of: Gigartina
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Gigartina, a genus of red algae, has been traditionally used in various cultures for its potential health benefits, including support for skin health and the management of skin infections. Historically, Gigartina species have been valued in folk medicine, particularly in coastal regions where seaweeds are a common part of the materia medica. Preparations from Gigartina have been topically applied to the skin to help soothe irritation, promote wound healing, and potentially combat superficial infections. The rationale for these uses is often attributed to the presence of sulfated polysaccharides (such as carrageenans), which may have mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties based on in vitro studies.
However, while there is some preliminary laboratory evidence showing that extracts from Gigartina can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses, robust clinical data in humans are lacking. No large-scale controlled trials have confirmed its efficacy for treating or preventing skin infections. Most of the support for this use comes from anecdotal reports and traditional practices rather than from rigorous scientific validation. As such, Gigartina’s use for skin infections remains primarily supported by tradition, with limited evidence from modern biomedical research.
Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)
ajoenealoe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
quercetin
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bael
Benzoin
Borate
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
cypress
Chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
Daphne
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Ivy
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Gigartina
ArthritisCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (general)
Digestion (poor)
Inflammation
Skin (infections)
Wounds and Sores