Oldenlandia, particularly Oldenlandia corymbosa and Oldenlandia diffusa, is a herb widely used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Chinese, and various folk medicines. Its application in the treatment of syphilis is primarily based on traditional use, rather than modern scientific validation. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys document the use of Oldenlandia species for treating a variety of ailments, including sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, due to their reputed "blood-cleansing" and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, in some traditional systems, decoctions or infusions of the plant are administered to alleviate symptoms associated with syphilitic sores and ulcers.

However, there is a lack of robust scientific studies or clinical trials that specifically validate Oldenlandia’s efficacy against Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. Some laboratory studies have shown that extracts from Oldenlandia possess general antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which may have contributed to its traditional use for infectious diseases. Yet, these findings do not directly support its use for syphilis in a clinical context. In summary, the use of Oldenlandia for syphilis is grounded in traditional knowledge, with minimal scientific corroboration specifically for this indication.