Evidence supporting the use of: Palo Azul
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Palo Azul (Eysenhardtia polystachya), also known as kidneywood or "blue stick," has a long history of traditional use in Mexican and Central American herbal medicine, especially as a remedy for urinary tract ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Traditionally, the bark or wood is steeped in water to make a tea, believed to act as a diuretic and to "cleanse" the urinary system. This use is primarily based on empirical observation and cultural practice rather than rigorous scientific study.
Scientific research on Palo Azul’s effectiveness for treating UTIs is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds in Palo Azul, which possess antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties. A few in vitro studies suggest possible antimicrobial activity, but these are preliminary and not specific to typical UTI-causing bacteria such as Escherichia coli. There are no high-quality clinical trials in humans demonstrating the efficacy of Palo Azul for either treating or preventing UTIs.
In summary, Palo Azul's use for UTIs is justified mainly by traditional practice, with minimal scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this condition.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
alfalfaaloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Angelica
Arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Black Gram
Bauhinia
Baobab
Baicalin
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Cloudberry
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
Cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
Corn
Carambola
Cynodon dactylon
Currant
Dwarf Morning Glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
Other health conditions supported by Palo Azul
Abdominal PainBladder Infection
Blood in Urine
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Pain (general remedies for)
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urination (frequent)
Wounds and Sores