Synopsis

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

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) has a long history of use in traditional medicine among Indigenous peoples of North America, including as a remedy for various ailments such as coughs, colds, and sometimes infections. The bark and fruit were commonly prepared as teas or syrups. The rationale for its use against infections, especially bacterial ones, is largely based on traditional knowledge rather than scientific studies. Some phytochemical analyses have shown that chokecherry contains compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, which can possess mild antimicrobial properties in vitro. However, robust clinical or laboratory evidence specifically validating chokecherry’s effectiveness against bacterial infections in humans is lacking. There are no well-controlled studies or systematic reviews demonstrating its efficacy for treating bacterial infection. Thus, while its use is rooted in traditional practices, the evidence from a scientific perspective is weak, warranting a low evidence rating. Chokecherry should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for bacterial infections, especially in the absence of clinical research and in the context of available, effective antimicrobial agents.

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