Synopsis

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

Prickly Ash Bark (Zanthoxylum americanum or Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) has a long history of traditional use in North American herbalism, especially among Native American and early European-American practitioners. Historically, it has been employed as a "stimulant" and "tonic" for various conditions, and heart "weakness" is sometimes referenced in older herbal texts. The Eclectic physicians of the 19th and early 20th centuries used prickly ash bark as a circulatory stimulant, intended to "invigorate" the heart and blood flow, particularly in cases of fatigue, feebleness, or convalescence.

Despite its traditional use, scientific evidence is very limited. Modern research has not validated these cardiovascular claims, and there are no controlled clinical studies demonstrating efficacy of prickly ash bark for heart weakness or any cardiovascular disease. Some phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids and other compounds in the bark, but their effects on heart function have not been specifically characterized in humans or animals. Thus, the use of prickly ash bark for heart weakness is primarily supported by tradition, not by scientific research.

In summary, the use of prickly ash bark for heart weakness is rooted in historical herbal practice, not in robust scientific validation. Its safety and efficacy for this purpose remain uncertain by modern standards.

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