Synopsis

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

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) has a long history of traditional use in treating various oral ailments, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers). In folk medicine, blackberry leaves and fruits have been used as mouthwashes or gargles to soothe sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammation. The traditional rationale stems from blackberry’s astringent properties due to its high tannin content, which can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. Additionally, blackberry contains flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have been shown in laboratory studies to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

However, scientific validation specifically for canker sores is limited. While some in vitro studies indicate that blackberry extracts exhibit antibacterial activity against oral pathogens and promote wound healing, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly evaluating blackberry’s effectiveness for canker sores in humans. Case reports and small observational studies sometimes reference symptomatic relief from traditional blackberry preparations, but these are not high-level evidence. Thus, while blackberry’s use for canker sores is grounded in tradition and supported by plausible mechanisms, direct scientific evidence remains modest, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5 for evidence strength.

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