The use of "Amor seco" (a common name typically referring to Desmodium adscendens or sometimes Bidens pilosa, depending on the region) for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, particularly in South America and parts of Africa. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional herbal texts document the use of these plants for various ailments, including kidney and urinary tract complaints, but there is minimal direct clinical or preclinical evidence specifically supporting efficacy against UTIs.

In folk medicine, decoctions or infusions of Amor seco are used for their presumed diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which are thought to help “cleanse” the urinary tract and alleviate symptoms of infection. Some laboratory studies have indicated that extracts from related species possess antibacterial activity, but these investigations are usually in vitro and not specific to UTI-causing pathogens or to clinical scenarios. There are no robust randomized controlled trials or comprehensive clinical studies validating the efficacy of Amor seco for UTIs.

In summary, while Amor seco is used traditionally for urinary tract and kidney conditions, scientific validation for its effectiveness against UTIs is limited or lacking. Further research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy for this specific indication.