Synopsis

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

Mahonia (commonly known as Oregon grape, with species such as Mahonia aquifolium) has a history of use in North American traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples and herbalists, for the treatment of various skin conditions, including those resulting from contact with poison ivy or poison oak. The rationale for its use is primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, attributed to its high berberine content. Traditional application often involved topical preparations (such as poultices, washes, or salves) purported to reduce itching, inflammation, and secondary infection after exposure to urushiol—the irritating compound in poison ivy and oak.

However, the scientific evidence directly supporting Mahonia's efficacy for poison ivy or oak dermatitis is extremely limited. While a few studies have demonstrated that Mahonia extracts can have general anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, there is no robust clinical data or randomized controlled trials specifically validating its use for poison ivy or oak reactions. Most references to its use for this purpose are found in ethnobotanical literature or traditional herbal compendia rather than peer-reviewed medical research. Thus, its use is justified by tradition rather than scientific validation, and the overall evidence rating is low.

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