Evidence supporting the use of: Aerva lanata
For the health condition: Leucorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aerva lanata, commonly known as mountain knotgrass, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine in India and other parts of South Asia. Its use to manage or treat leucorrhea (a white vaginal discharge, often benign but sometimes a symptom of infection) is primarily based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence. In Ayurveda, the whole plant or its decoctions are administered to women suffering from leucorrhea, believed to provide astringent, cooling, and demulcent effects that help reduce abnormal discharge and soothe mucous membranes.
Despite its frequent mention in ethnobotanical surveys and some classical Ayurvedic texts, there is a notable lack of rigorous scientific studies—such as randomized controlled trials or clinical studies—specifically evaluating Aerva lanata for leucorrhea in humans. A few phytochemical studies have identified constituents with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically be beneficial for infections sometimes associated with leucorrhea, but these findings have not been directly correlated with clinical efficacy in this context.
Overall, while Aerva lanata is well-documented in traditional medicine for this indication, the evidence remains primarily anecdotal and historical, with a low rating (2/5) given the absence of direct scientific validation.
Other health conditions supported by Aerva lanata
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Infection
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Kidney Stones
Leucorrhea
Menstrual Irregularity
Nephritis
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Skin (infections)
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Wounds and Sores