Evidence supporting the use of: Snakeroot
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Snakeroot is a common name that can refer to several different plants, including Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot), and Eupatorium rugosum (white snakeroot). Traditionally, some snakeroot species have been used by various cultures to address skin infections and wounds. For example, Native American herbalists used Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria) in poultices to treat snake bites, sores, and other skin ailments. Similarly, in Ayurveda, Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) has been applied topically for snakebites and skin disorders, although its primary use was for cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
Despite these traditional applications, there is little robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of snakeroot for treating skin infections. Most of the available literature documents historical or ethnobotanical uses rather than results from clinical trials or pharmacological studies. Some snakeroot species can be toxic if misused, particularly Aristolochia species, which contain aristolochic acids with known nephrotoxic and carcinogenic properties. In summary, snakeroot's use for skin infections is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with a low level of supporting evidence and potential safety concerns for some species.
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
Brazilian 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
Ficus religiosa
Farnesol
Fleabane
Frankincense
Fir
Gallic Acid
Geraniol
Genipap
Glyceryl caprylate caprate
Galium
Geranial
Glycolipids
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Gigartina
Galbanum
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Hypericin
Hemidesmus
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Hydroxyquinoline
Hyaluronidase
Immunoglobulin G
Indian Nightshade
Indian Sarsparilla
Immortelle
Ivy
Jatoba
Kigelia africana
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Loquat
Lactobacillus plantarum
Ledebouriella
Lilium polyphyllum
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lophira lanceolata
Lupulone
Lactic Acid
Leptadenia
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Liverwort
Loranthus
Laminaria
Lysimachia
Labdanum
Mesua
Mountain horopito
Marjoram
Mucilage
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Milkweed
Marking Nut Tree
Manzanita
Nasturtium
Night jessamine
Oak
Oldenlandia diffusa
Purple Tephrosia
Premna
Pepper Bark Tree
Polypodium
Pentatropis capensis
Plumbago zeylanica
Queen's Delight
Rosmanol
Rosa laevigata
Rhododendron
Spilanthes
Silkmoth
Streptomyces
Scoparia dulcis
Shikonin
Spikenard
Snakeroot
Silk protein
Sesquiterpenic Acid
Solanum anguivi
Sarcandra glabra
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sapindus mukorossi
Semecarpus anacardium
Simaruba
Skunkvine
Sulfur
Storax
Stone Root
Smoketree
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
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Veronica
Verbascoside
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Yellow Dock
Other health conditions supported by Snakeroot
Abdominal PainArthritis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Snake Bite
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores