Synopsis

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

Alchornea cordifolia, commonly known as Christmas bush or African Christmas bush, has a long history of traditional use in West and Central Africa. One of its uses includes serving as an insect repellent. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine reports indicate that leaves of Alchornea cordifolia are often crushed and rubbed on the skin or placed around living areas to deter insects, particularly mosquitoes. The use is primarily grounded in indigenous knowledge, passed from generation to generation, and is widely documented in ethnomedicinal literature. However, scientific validation of its insect-repellent properties is limited. A few laboratory studies have analyzed the essential oils and extracts of the plant, identifying compounds such as terpenoids and flavonoids that may possess insect-repellent or insecticidal activity. Yet, these studies are preliminary and often do not assess efficacy in real-world, practical applications compared to standard repellents like DEET. Thus, while there is some chemical rationale for its effectiveness, robust clinical or field evidence is lacking. In summary, the use of Alchornea cordifolia as an insect repellent is primarily justified by traditional practices, with limited scientific support. The current evidence base does not yet allow for a strong recommendation, but it does support ongoing investigation.

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