Synopsis

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

Prunus species, which include plants like cherry, plum, apricot, and almond, have been used in various traditional medicine systems for a range of ailments. Their use for canker sores (aphthous ulcers) is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than scientific validation. Folk remedies in some cultures involve using extracts or decoctions of Prunus bark, leaves, or fruit as a mouth rinse or topical application to promote healing of oral ulcers and soothe inflammation. The supposed benefits are attributed to the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of certain Prunus species, though these effects are mainly anecdotal and not rigorously studied.

There is a lack of robust scientific research or clinical trials specifically examining the effectiveness of Prunus extracts for treating canker sores. Most available evidence is either anecdotal or comes from broader studies on anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties of Prunus compounds, which do not directly address canker sores. As such, the evidence rating for supporting its use in this context is low. People interested in using Prunus preparations should exercise caution, as some species and parts (notably seeds and bark) can contain toxic compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides. In summary, while there is some basis in tradition for this use, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting it.

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