Evidence supporting the use of: Luffa
For the health condition: Canker Sores
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Luffa, also known as sponge gourd or loofah, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Luffa (often as Luffa cylindrica or Luffa aegyptiaca) is sometimes included in herbal formulations intended for clearing heat and relieving swelling, which can include conditions affecting the mouth. However, there is very limited documentation specifically linking Luffa to the treatment of canker sores (aphthous ulcers) in the mouth. The majority of references to its use are indirect, relating more to its general anti-inflammatory or detoxifying properties as described in traditional texts, rather than focused, evidence-based recommendations for oral ulcers.
Scientific studies on Luffa primarily investigate its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but these are mostly preliminary and not specific to canker sores or oral mucosal conditions. There is a lack of controlled clinical trials or robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Luffa for canker sores. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition in some herbal practices, the evidence is weak and not well substantiated by modern research.
Other ingredients used for Canker Sores
aloe verabamboo
basil
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
blackberry
bасора
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
dog rose
folate
ginger
horseradish
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
milk
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
pineapple
plantain
rhizome
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
triphala
vitamin B12
vitamin C
zinc
yellow root
squawvine
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
myrrh
siler root
hyacinth bean
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Collinsonia
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
Embelia
Eugenol
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Oak
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Luffa
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)