Evidence supporting the use of: Mucilage
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mucilage, a gelatinous substance produced by many plants (such as aloe vera, marshmallow root, and plantain), has a long history of traditional use in the support and treatment of skin infections and irritations. Traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and various forms of folk medicine, have utilized mucilage-rich plant extracts topically for their soothing, emollient, and protective effects on the skin. The rationale is primarily based on mucilage’s ability to form a protective barrier, retain moisture, and reduce irritation, which can provide a favorable environment for healing minor wounds, burns, or infections. While mucilage does not have inherent antimicrobial properties, its physical properties can help to soothe inflamed skin and may indirectly assist in healing by maintaining moisture and protecting against external irritants.
Scientific research specifically validating the effectiveness of mucilage for treating skin infections is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have indicated that certain mucilage-containing plants may exhibit mild anti-inflammatory or wound-healing properties, but robust clinical evidence is lacking. Therefore, while mucilage’s use for skin infections is strongly rooted in tradition and supported by plausible mechanisms, the current scientific evidence remains preliminary.
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 Mucilage
Acid IndigestionAnal Fistula or Fissure
Asthma
Burns and Scalds
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gastritis
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
Psoriasis
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores