Synopsis

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

Thatch screw-pine (Pandanus tectorius) has a history of use in traditional medicine across parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its leaves, fruit, and roots have been utilized in various preparations to address a range of ailments, including colds and respiratory complaints. The rationale for its use against colds is typically based on traditional beliefs regarding its soothing, expectorant, or general health-promoting properties, rather than a specific understanding of antiviral activity. There is, however, very limited published scientific evidence to support these traditional applications. Few studies have examined the phytochemistry of Pandanus tectorius, and none have conclusively demonstrated direct antiviral effects or efficacy in treating symptoms of the common cold. The continued use of thatch screw-pine for this purpose is thus primarily rooted in ethnobotanical tradition rather than scientific validation. As a result, while its use is culturally significant, the evidence supporting its antiviral benefit or use for colds is weak and largely anecdotal.

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