Evidence supporting the use of: Mountain horopito
For the health condition: Staph Infections

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Mountain horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) is a native New Zealand shrub whose leaves have been used in traditional Māori medicine (rongoā) for various purposes, including the treatment of skin infections and wounds. The main active compound in horopito is polygodial, which has demonstrated antifungal and some antibacterial properties in laboratory studies. However, scientific validation specifically targeting Staphylococcus aureus (the most common cause of Staph infections) is limited. Some in vitro studies show that polygodial has activity against a range of bacteria, but its potency against Staph species is weak compared to conventional antibiotics, and there are no robust clinical trials evaluating its use for treating Staph infections in humans.

Historical and ethnobotanical records document the use of horopito leaves by Māori to treat skin ailments and as an external wash for infected wounds, which likely included Staph infections due to their prevalence. Modern herbalists in New Zealand may continue to recommend horopito for minor skin infections based on this tradition. Thus, its use is primarily justified by traditional knowledge with limited scientific backing. Overall, while horopito has some antimicrobial properties, the evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for Staph infections is weak.

More about Mountain horopito
More about Staph Infections

Products containing Mountain horopito

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.