Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Embelia ribes, commonly known as Vidanga, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems as an antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent. Historical texts and ethnomedicinal practices reference its use for treating intestinal worms, infections, and other ailments where modern antibiotics might now be indicated. The main bioactive compound, embelin, has shown some in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against certain pathogens, but the evidence primarily comes from traditional use and small laboratory studies rather than robust clinical trials.

While studies have demonstrated that extracts of Embelia ribes possess antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings, there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence to support its use as a direct substitute for antibiotics in treating bacterial infections in humans. The traditional use of Embelia ribes as an alternative to antibiotics is thus based on ethnobotanical knowledge and preliminary experimental data, rather than modern scientific validation through controlled human studies. As such, while Embelia ribes is used in traditional medicine as an antimicrobial agent, it cannot be considered a proven alternative to conventional antibiotics based on current scientific standards.

More about Embelia ribes
More about Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other health conditions supported by Embelia ribes

Products containing Embelia ribes