Evidence supporting the use of: American Chestnut
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
The use of American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) bark or leaves for the external treatment of ulcerations is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine. In North American ethnobotany, especially among indigenous groups and early settlers, American Chestnut preparations were sometimes applied topically to sores, wounds, and ulcerations to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The astringent properties of the bark, attributed to its tannin content, were believed to help dry out wounds and protect against infection.
However, there is very limited scientific research supporting the effectiveness of American Chestnut for this purpose. Modern phytochemical studies have confirmed that the bark contains tannins and other polyphenols, which can have mild antimicrobial and astringent effects, but clinical studies on its efficacy or safety for external ulcerations are lacking. No standardized topical preparations exist, and the FDA does not recognize American Chestnut as a treatment for skin ulcers or similar conditions.
In summary, while traditional use provides some basis for its application on ulcerations, there is a lack of robust scientific validation. Its continued mention in herbal references is due to historical practices rather than contemporary clinical evidence.
More about American Chestnut
More about Ulcerations (external)
Other ingredients used for Ulcerations (external)
aloe verabisabolol
dyer’s woad root
Japanese sophora
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
marshmallow
protease
vitamin C
zinc
rubia cordifolia
yarrow
moss
amber
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
stillingia
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
arnica
Ardisia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
Asarabacca
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Butter
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bleeding Heart
Black-Eyed Susan
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Borate
Bletilla
Boxwood
Comfrey
Celandine
Cranesbill
Cedrus libani
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Dragon's Blood
Dianthrone
Erigeron
English Elm
European Field Elm
Echinodorus
Elaeagnus glabra
Oak
Other health conditions supported by American Chestnut
Bladder InfectionBronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Inflammation
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores