Synopsis

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

The use of Daphne species (such as Daphne mezereum and Daphne odora) for skin infections is primarily rooted in traditional medicine. In Eurasian folk remedies, preparations from Daphne bark or leaves have sometimes been applied externally to treat skin problems, including ulcers, wounds, and infections. These traditional uses are documented in historical herbal texts and ethnobotanical surveys. The plant contains compounds such as daphnetoxin and mezerein, which have been studied for their irritant and cytotoxic properties, but not specifically for antimicrobial or wound-healing effects in clinical settings. Modern scientific validation for the use of Daphne in treating skin infections is lacking, and there are significant safety concerns due to the known toxicity of Daphne species; contact with the plant can cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and even systemic poisoning if ingested. Therefore, while Daphne has a minor place in traditional external applications for skin conditions, the evidence supporting its efficacy is extremely limited, and its use is not recommended today due to safety risks. There are no well-conducted clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies supporting its use for skin infections.

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