Synopsis

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

Rubus species, including blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus), have a long history of traditional use in folk medicine for treating oral ailments, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers). The leaves and sometimes the fruit are used to prepare infusions, decoctions, or mouthwashes, believed to soothe mouth inflammation and promote healing. This traditional use is documented in ethnobotanical literature from Europe, Asia, and North America, where Rubus leaf tea or gargle is recommended for various oral and throat conditions. The astringency of Rubus leaves, attributed to their tannin content, may explain their soothing effect on mucosal tissue and their reputation for reducing oral ulcers.

However, while there are in vitro studies showing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Rubus extracts, clinical evidence specifically supporting their efficacy for canker sores is lacking. Systematic reviews and medical literature do not report controlled trials or robust observational studies validating the effectiveness of Rubus preparations for aphthous ulcers in humans. Thus, its use for this purpose is justified by tradition rather than modern scientific validation, and the level of evidence remains low.

In summary, Rubus is used for canker sores based on traditional practices, supported by plausible phytochemical properties, but not by high-quality clinical evidence.

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Other ingredients used for Canker Sores

Other health conditions supported by Rubus (unspecified)

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