Evidence supporting the use of: Styrax balsam
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

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

Styrax balsam, also known as storax, has a long history of traditional use for treating skin infections and other skin ailments. This resin, derived from the bark of Styrax species, has been utilized in various cultures, particularly in traditional medicine systems of the Middle East and Europe, for its purported antiseptic and wound-healing properties. Historical pharmacopoeias often mention styrax as an ingredient in topical formulations for wounds, ulcers, and skin infections.

The basis for its use lies primarily in its aromatic resins, which contain compounds such as cinnamic acid, benzoin, and vanillin. These constituents have been reported to possess mild antimicrobial activity in vitro. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking, and most of the support comes from anecdotal use and traditional texts rather than modern scientific trials.

Although some laboratory studies suggest potential antibacterial and antifungal effects of styrax extracts, these findings have not been widely validated in clinical settings or large-scale studies. As a result, while there is a substantial traditional rationale for using Styrax balsam on skin infections, scientific validation remains limited, and its efficacy has not been definitively established by current medical research.

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