Evidence supporting the use of: Borate
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Borate compounds, most notably boric acid, have a long history of traditional use in the treatment of external ulcerations and wounds. Historically, boric acid solutions and ointments have been applied as antiseptics and mild astringents, aimed at preventing infection and promoting healing in superficial skin lesions, ulcers, and minor burns. This traditional use is well-documented in older medical texts and pharmacopoeias from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when boric acid was commonly included in first-aid kits and household remedies.
However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of borate compounds for ulcerations is limited. While boric acid does possess mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, modern clinical studies on its use for external ulcerations are sparse, and concerns about toxicity—particularly with improper or prolonged use—have led to a decline in its recommendation for this purpose. Regulatory agencies in several countries now restrict the use of boric acid in topical medications due to potential adverse effects, especially in children and on open wounds.
In summary, the use of borate for external ulcerations is primarily based on tradition, with limited and dated scientific evidence. Modern wound care generally favors other agents with better-established efficacy and safety profiles.
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
Figwort
Ficin
Glutamine
Gambir
Genipa americana
Guazuma ulmifolia
Houttuynia
Hound's Tongue
Hairy Arnica
Immortelle
Jessica's Sticktight
Kigelia africana
Levant Cotton
Lophira lanceolata
lac resin
Lygodium
Mountain horopito
Matico
Mahonia
Mandrake
Marking Nut Tree
Oak
Purple Tephrosia
Povidone
Plumeria lancifolia
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Purple Loosestrife
Potentilla
Red Soapwort
Rhus coraria
Red Spiderling
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Spilanthes
Sinapis arvensis
Shikonin
Smooth Alder
Sangre de Grado
Sesquiterpenic Acid
Sapindus mukorossi
Simaruba
Storax
Teucrium marum
Tannins
Thuja
Thymol
Takuna
Tea Tree Oil
Taraxol
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Western Buttercup
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by Borate
Athlete's FootFungal Infections
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores