Synopsis

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

Gambir (Uncaria gambir) has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asian medicine, particularly in Malay and Chinese medicinal systems. Traditionally, gambir extracts have been applied externally to treat a variety of skin conditions, including ulcerations, wounds, and sores. The application is often justified by gambir’s high content of catechins and tannins, which are known to possess astringent properties. These compounds can help contract tissue, reduce secretions, and form a protective layer over wounds, potentially promoting healing and reducing infection risk.

However, while there is some experimental evidence suggesting that the polyphenolic compounds in gambir exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, there is limited direct scientific research specifically evaluating its effectiveness in the treatment of external ulcerations in humans. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or derived from ethnobotanical reports and traditional pharmacopoeias, rather than controlled clinical trials. As such, the use of gambir for external ulcerations is primarily supported by traditional practices and historical usage, with only modest scientific investigation into its efficacy.

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