Evidence supporting the use of: Chiococca alba
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chiococca alba, commonly known as David's milkberry or West Indian milkberry, has a long history of traditional use in Caribbean, Central American, and South American herbal medicine. Its roots and leaves have been applied externally for a variety of skin conditions, including ulcerations, wounds, and sores. Ethnobotanical surveys from regions such as Cuba, Jamaica, and Mexico document its use by local healers and Indigenous practitioners to promote wound healing and treat skin ulcers. The traditional preparation often involves making a poultice or decoction from the root, which is then applied directly to the affected area.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts from Chiococca alba possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties—factors that could theoretically support wound healing—there is a lack of robust clinical trials or in vivo studies specifically investigating its effectiveness for external ulcerations in humans. The available evidence thus remains largely anecdotal and based on traditional medical practices rather than rigorous scientific evaluation.
In summary, the use of Chiococca alba for external ulcerations is primarily justified by traditional knowledge rather than scientific proof, and its efficacy for this purpose should be considered unproven in the context of modern evidence-based medicine.
Other ingredients used for Ulcerations (external)
aloe verabisabolol
dyer’s woad root
Japanese sophora
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
marshmallow
protease
vitamin C
zinc
rubia cordifolia
yarrow
moss
amber
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
stillingia
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
arnica
Ardisia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
Asarabacca
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Butter
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bleeding Heart
Black-Eyed Susan
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Borate
Bletilla
Boxwood
Comfrey
Celandine
Cranesbill
Cedrus libani
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Dragon's Blood
Dianthrone
European Field Elm
Echinodorus
Elaeagnus glabra
Other health conditions supported by Chiococca alba
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores