Synopsis

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

Pluchea, especially species such as Pluchea indica and Pluchea odorata, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems for the treatment of bites and stings. In various cultures, the leaves and extracts have been applied topically to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with insect bites and stings, including those from bees, wasps, and mosquitoes. Ethnobotanical records from regions in Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean document this practice, often as poultices or decoctions prepared from the plant's aerial parts.

Despite its widespread traditional use, scientific validation for Pluchea's efficacy in treating bites and stings remains limited. Some studies have reported that Pluchea species possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which could theoretically benefit the symptoms caused by stings and bites. For instance, phytochemical analyses have identified flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones with potential anti-inflammatory actions. However, direct clinical studies on its effectiveness specifically for bites and stings are lacking. As such, while traditional use is well documented and there is some mechanistic plausibility based on its constituents, robust scientific evidence, including clinical trials, is absent.

In summary, Pluchea's use for bites and stings is primarily supported by traditional practices with limited preclinical evidence. It should not be considered a scientifically proven remedy for this condition.

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