Synopsis

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

Paederia foetida, commonly known as Skunkvine, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across South and Southeast Asia, including Ayurveda and folk medicine. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, especially the leaves, have been applied topically or made into pastes to treat a range of skin ailments such as boils, wounds, ulcers, and other skin infections. The rationale for its use is often attributed to its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties as understood in ethnomedicine.

Scientific validation for these traditional uses is limited but growing. Some in vitro and animal studies have reported that extracts of Paederia foetida possess significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. For example, methanolic and aqueous extracts have demonstrated inhibitory effects against certain pathogenic bacteria known to cause skin infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, some animal studies indicate that topical application of the plant’s extract may enhance wound contraction and healing.

However, despite these promising findings, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials confirming its efficacy and safety for the treatment of skin infections in humans. Therefore, while its use is primarily justified by traditional knowledge and supported to some extent by preliminary scientific studies, robust clinical evidence is currently insufficient.

More about paederia foetida
More about Skin (infections)

Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)

Other health conditions supported by paederia foetida

Products containing paederia foetida