Evidence supporting the use of: Saponins
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Saponins are naturally occurring compounds found in various plants, including herbs traditionally used in folk medicine. Their use in supporting or treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) is primarily based on traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. Several plants rich in saponins, such as Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Quillaja saponaria, have been used historically in different cultures to support urinary health or as diuretics. The presumed benefits are attributed to saponins' surface-active properties, which may help reduce microbial adhesion to urinary tract surfaces, and their mild anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. However, scientific studies specifically evaluating saponins for the treatment or prevention of UTIs in humans are very limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest saponins may possess antimicrobial activity against certain uropathogens, but these findings have not been consistently replicated in clinical trials. The evidence supporting saponins' efficacy for UTIs in human populations is sparse and mostly anecdotal, lacking rigorous randomized controlled trials. In summary, the use of saponins for UTIs is rooted in traditional herbal medicine, with some plausible mechanisms suggested by preliminary laboratory research. Nevertheless, the current scientific evidence does not strongly support their clinical use for this purpose, and more well-designed human studies are needed to establish efficacy and safety.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
AbrusAbuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pata de Vaca
pau d'arco
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pelargonium
Pepper Bark Tree
Phragmites
Pipsissewa
pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Withanolides
Other health conditions supported by saponins
Antibiotics (alternatives to)Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (prevention)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Inflammation
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
