Synopsis

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

The Matapalo tree (genus Ficus, commonly Ficus spp., and sometimes Clusia spp. in South America) has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Central and South America. Indigenous peoples have used its bark, latex, and leaves to treat a variety of skin ailments, including infections, wounds, and inflammations. This traditional use is likely based on the observed wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to plant exudates in general, as well as anecdotal reports of efficacy in treating skin lesions.

However, scientific studies directly investigating the efficacy of Matapalo tree extracts for skin infections are sparse. Some related Ficus species have demonstrated antimicrobial or wound-healing activities in laboratory tests, but there is limited, if any, robust clinical evidence specifically validating the Matapalo tree’s use for skin infections in humans. The evidence for its use is thus largely traditional, supported by ethnomedical reports rather than by well-established pharmacological data. Therefore, while Matapalo tree preparations may have some effect due to general antimicrobial compounds found in Ficus species, there is insufficient scientific validation to strongly support its use for treating skin infections. More research is needed to clarify its therapeutic potential and safety.

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