Evidence supporting the use of: Missouri Snakeroot
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Missouri Snakeroot (commonly referring to Aristolochia serpentaria or sometimes Polygala senega) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine by Native American groups and early settlers. It was sometimes employed as a general tonic or as a diuretic, which means it was believed to promote urine flow. Such properties led to its occasional application in folk remedies for urinary tract ailments, including infections. However, there is a lack of specific, well-documented traditional references linking Missouri Snakeroot directly to the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and its use was generally based on broader claims of supporting urinary health.

Modern scientific research does not validate the efficacy or safety of Missouri Snakeroot for UTIs. No clinical trials or pharmacological studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Furthermore, some species historically referred to as "snakeroot" (notably in the Aristolochia genus) contain aristolochic acids, compounds known for their nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity, and are considered unsafe. Overall, the use of Missouri Snakeroot for supporting or treating UTIs is based on limited traditional practices, and there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy for this purpose.

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