Synopsis

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

Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European folk remedies. In these traditions, cinquefoil has been employed for a range of ailments, including as an astringent and for joint-related discomforts. Its use for gout specifically is rooted in these traditional practices, where it was sometimes used as a tea or topical application to help relieve joint pain and inflammation associated with gout. However, there is scant documentation even in the traditional literature directly linking cinquefoil with gout relief, and when mentioned, it tends to be part of broader anti-inflammatory or pain-relief applications, not as a primary or specific remedy for gout.

Regarding scientific validation, there is currently no substantial clinical or pharmacological evidence supporting the efficacy of cinquefoil for treating or managing gout. Few studies exist on Potentilla species in relation to inflammation in general, and none have demonstrated a specific benefit for gout, which is a condition resulting from uric acid crystal deposition in joints. Thus, while cinquefoil's use is primarily justified by tradition, even that traditional use is relatively minor and not strongly established. The overall evidence level is low (rated as 1), reflecting the lack of robust historical or scientific support for its application in gout.

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