Synopsis

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

Alchornea cordifolia, a plant native to tropical Africa, has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine for the management of snake bites. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional healers in various African communities report the use of Alchornea cordifolia leaves, roots, or bark in the preparation of topical poultices or decoctions intended to mitigate the effects of snake venom. The rationale for its use is based on ancestral knowledge, where the plant is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and possibly antivenom properties. However, scientific validation for this use is limited. Only a few laboratory studies have evaluated the plant's extracts for antivenom or anti-inflammatory activity, and results are preliminary or inconclusive. No robust clinical trials or comprehensive preclinical studies specifically confirm its efficacy against snake envenomation. Therefore, while its use is deeply rooted in tradition, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for snake bites remains weak, meriting a low evidence rating.

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