Evidence supporting the use of: Plectranthus amboinicus
For the health condition: Canker Sores
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Plectranthus amboinicus, also known as Indian borage or Cuban oregano, has been used traditionally in various cultures for the treatment of oral ailments, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers). The justification for its use comes mainly from folk medicine practices in regions such as South Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, where the leaves are often chewed, or extracts are applied directly to oral lesions. The plant is known for its aromatic, succulent leaves, which contain essential oils and compounds like carvacrol and thymol, thought to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy of Plectranthus amboinicus for canker sores are limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity of its extracts against oral pathogens, and a few animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects. Despite these promising properties, there is a lack of controlled human clinical trials specifically focused on canker sores. Therefore, while its use is supported by traditional knowledge and some indirect scientific rationale, robust scientific validation is lacking. The current evidence, therefore, warrants a modest rating, reflecting its long-standing use in traditional medicine but only preliminary scientific support for this specific indication.
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
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
Glycolic acid
Guava
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Oak
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Plectranthus amboinicus
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cough (general)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Liver Detoxification
Malaria
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)