Evidence supporting the use of: Alchornea floribunda
For the health condition: Dysentery

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Synopsis

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

Alchornea floribunda is traditionally used in West and Central African ethnomedicine for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal ailments. Various parts of the plant, particularly the root bark and leaves, are prepared as decoctions or infusions and administered to individuals suffering from symptoms consistent with dysentery. Historical and ethnobotanical surveys, including those referenced in works such as Burkill’s "The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa," document this usage among local populations. However, while these traditions are well-established and repeated across ethnomedical literature, there is limited scientific validation for its effectiveness specifically against dysentery.

Phytochemical investigations have revealed that Alchornea floribunda contains tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids—compounds with known astringent and antimicrobial properties. Some laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against various pathogens, which could theoretically support its traditional use. Nevertheless, there is a lack of controlled clinical trials or detailed pharmacological studies directly evaluating its efficacy or safety for dysentery in humans. As such, its use for dysentery remains primarily justified by traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence.

In summary, while Alchornea floribunda is traditionally used for dysentery and there are plausible bioactive compounds, the evidence supporting its use is limited to traditional accounts and preliminary laboratory findings, meriting a low evidence rating.

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