Evidence supporting the use of: Blackboard tree
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
The blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris), also known as the devil tree, has a longstanding presence in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these traditions, various plant parts, especially the bark, have been used for ailments such as respiratory disorders, fever, and sometimes neurological complaints, including headaches. However, the specific use of blackboard tree extracts for migraine is primarily based on traditional practice rather than rigorous scientific validation. Historical texts indicate its use for general pain relief and as an antipyretic, but references specifically to migraine are scarce and often anecdotal. Modern scientific studies on Alstonia scholaris have identified alkaloids and other compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, suggesting potential mechanisms that could theoretically alleviate headache symptoms. Nevertheless, controlled clinical trials investigating its efficacy specifically for migraine are lacking. Most available studies have focused on other uses, such as antimalarial, anti-asthmatic, or anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. Thus, while traditional systems sometimes recommend the blackboard tree for headaches, including migraine, there is minimal direct scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for this condition, and safety data are limited. As such, its use for migraine is best described as traditional, with a low level of supporting evidence.
Other ingredients used for Migraine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Flavin mononucleotide
Ficus religiosa
Fish
Flavanones
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Goldthread
Gelsemium
Ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by blackboard tree
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dislocation
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Malaria
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine