Synopsis

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

Mountain horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) has a longstanding history of traditional use in New Zealand Māori medicine (rongoā Māori) for a variety of ailments, including those related to infections. Historically, horopito leaves were used topically and sometimes internally to treat skin conditions, wounds, and digestive complaints, some of which may have had an infectious origin. Its use against viral infections, however, is primarily based on its broad reputation as an antimicrobial and antifungal plant rather than direct antiviral evidence. Scientific research has identified that horopito contains polygodial, a sesquiterpene dialdehyde, which exhibits antifungal and antibacterial activity in vitro, particularly against Candida species and some bacteria. However, robust scientific studies directly validating its antiviral properties—especially in human clinical contexts—are lacking. No published clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy specifically against viral infections in humans. Therefore, while its traditional use to support infection—possibly including viral infection—exists, scientific support for its antiviral effect is weak and mostly extrapolated from its general antimicrobial properties. The evidence for use against viral infections is thus rated as low (2/5), reflecting primarily traditional use with limited scientific validation.

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