Synopsis

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

Alchornea cordifolia, commonly known as African Christmas bush, is widely used in traditional African medicine to treat a range of ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). The leaves, roots, and bark are often prepared as decoctions or infusions for oral administration. Ethnobotanical surveys from West and Central Africa consistently document its use for urinary problems, including symptoms consistent with UTIs such as painful urination and frequent urination. The rationale in traditional contexts is often linked to its perceived antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

There is limited scientific evidence to confirm these traditional uses. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of Alchornea cordifolia possess antibacterial activity against pathogens commonly associated with UTIs, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, the majority of these studies are preliminary, laboratory-based, and do not provide clinical evidence in human subjects. No robust clinical trials have been conducted to systematically evaluate its efficacy and safety for UTI treatment in humans. Therefore, while the plant's use for UTIs is well-supported by traditional practices and some preclinical data, scientific validation remains limited, and evidence quality is low.

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