Evidence supporting the use of: Ilex asprella
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ilex asprella (also known as "Gang Mei Gen" in traditional Chinese medicine) has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine, primarily for its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and wound-healing properties. In the context of external ulcerations, its application is rooted in traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation. Traditional Chinese medicine texts and materia medica note its use in poultices, washes, or topical preparations to help cleanse wounds, reduce swelling, and promote tissue repair. The rationale is based on its reputed abilities to "clear heat" and "resolve toxicity," which are concepts in TCM used to describe the management of infected or non-healing wounds, including ulcerations. While there are some modern pharmacological studies suggesting that extracts from Ilex asprella possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, these studies are limited and do not specifically address external ulcerations or clinical efficacy in wound healing. Thus, the evidence for its use in treating external ulcerations remains largely traditional, with minimal direct scientific validation for this specific indication. More rigorous research would be required to substantiate these traditional claims and to elucidate the mechanisms by which Ilex asprella might support wound healing in a clinical context.
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 Ilex asprella
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Infection
Inflammation
Pain (general remedies for)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores