Evidence supporting the use of: Prickly Ash Bark
For the health condition: Canker Sores
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Prickly Ash Bark (Zanthoxylum americanum or related species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in North America, for a variety of ailments including oral complaints such as canker sores. Native American and early herbalist traditions often utilized prickly ash bark as a topical remedy for mouth ulcers and sore gums, likely due to its purported analgesic and circulatory-stimulating properties. The bark contains compounds such as alkaloids and essential oils that may produce a numbing or tingling sensation, which could offer temporary relief from sore oral tissues.
However, there is little to no modern scientific research specifically evaluating prickly ash bark for the treatment or healing of canker sores (aphthous ulcers). Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on historical herbal texts rather than controlled clinical studies. Some phytochemical analyses suggest anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects, but these have not been directly linked to effectiveness against canker sores in humans.
In summary, the use of prickly ash bark for canker sores is primarily justified by traditional herbal medicine practices rather than scientific validation. The current evidence base is weak (rated 2/5), relying on historical accounts and plausibility rather than rigorous clinical data.
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 Prickly Ash Bark
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Angina
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nausea and Vomiting