Synopsis

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

Desmodium, a genus within the Fabaceae family, is used in various traditional medicine systems across Africa, Asia, and South America. Ethnobotanical surveys document the use of unspecified Desmodium species for the treatment of skin infections, including boils, particularly in African traditional medicine. Preparations such as poultices or decoctions made from leaves or whole plants are applied topically to affected areas to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The rationale in traditional settings is often based on the perceived antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties of the plant extracts.

However, scientific validation for the use of Desmodium (unspecified species) specifically for boils (cutaneous abscesses) is lacking. While some studies report general antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, or immunomodulatory effects from certain Desmodium species (e.g., Desmodium gangeticum, Desmodium adscendens), these findings are not directly linked to clinical trials or controlled studies on boils or skin abscesses in humans. The traditional use, therefore, remains mostly anecdotal and is supported by local or regional historical practices rather than by robust scientific evidence.

In summary, the use of Desmodium for boils is justified by traditional use, with weak evidence (rated 1/5) due to the absence of direct scientific validation for this specific indication.

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