Synopsis

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

Cinquefoil (genus Potentilla), particularly Potentilla erecta (tormentil), has a longstanding history in European folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including hemorrhoids. Traditionally, the aerial parts and rhizomes have been used as an astringent—meaning they help contract and tighten tissues—due to their high tannin content. These astringent properties were thought to reduce bleeding, inflammation, and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, and topical applications (such as ointments, suppositories, or poultices) were common in folk remedies. However, scientific validation of these uses is limited. While some laboratory studies confirm the astringent and mild anti-inflammatory effects of cinquefoil extracts, there are no rigorous clinical trials or modern pharmacological studies directly evaluating their efficacy or safety for hemorrhoid treatment in humans. Most references to cinquefoil’s use for hemorrhoids are found in herbal compendia, ethnobotanical records, or historical texts rather than peer-reviewed medical literature. In summary, cinquefoil’s use for hemorrhoids is primarily rooted in tradition, with minimal scientific support beyond its general astringency. It is not considered a mainstream or evidence-based treatment in contemporary medicine.

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