Common Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
Syringa vulgaris, commonly known as lilac, is a flowering shrub used in various traditional medicine practices. Historically, it has been applied as a treatment for fever, malaria, and as a vermifuge. Scientific studies suggest potential therapeutic properties, noting that petal extracts may exhibit moderate antioxidant and anti-elastase activities. Research also indicates that the compound syringin might enhance wound healing by increasing fibroblast and keratinocyte migration. While these findings are promising, more robust clinical data is needed to confirm efficacy in humans. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available literature.
- Traditionally for
- fever · malaria
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- fever
- malaria
- vermifuge
What the science says
- The study found that extracts from Syringa vulgaris flowers showed significant protective effects against oxidative stress in human plasma, reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation without affecting blood clotting times.
- The study finds that spring phenophases, including common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), are expected to occur earlier by the end of the 21st century across Slovenia.
- Syringa vulgaris (lilac) petal extracts showed moderate antioxidant and anti-elastase activities without cytotoxicity.
- Syringin from S. vulgaris increased the wound healing capacity of fibroblasts and keratinocytes by enhancing migration and TGFβ release.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Lilac?
Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Common Lilac traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Common Lilac for: fever, malaria, vermifuge. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Common Lilac?
Common Lilac appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Lilac?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Lilac; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that extracts from Syringa vulgaris flowers showed significant protective effects against oxidative stress in human plasma, reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation without affecting blood clotting times.
How strong is the evidence for Common Lilac?
The strongest finding for Common Lilac carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Lilac safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Lilac in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Lilac interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Lilac in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Lilac?
Common Lilac is also known as: сирень обыкновенная, lilas commun.
Is Common Lilac a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Syringin (Sinapyl Alcohol 4-O-Glucoside) Improves the Wound Healing Capacity of Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes In Vitro. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Multidisciplinary Bioanalytical Approach to Assess the Anti-Aging Properties of Flower Petals-A Promising Sustainable Cosmetic Ingredient. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of the potential shifts in the phenological development of representative spring plant species in Slovenia until the end of the 21st century using a model-based approach. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Extract from Syringa vulgaris L. Flowers-A Special Emphasis on Its Biological Activity: Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Modulation of Coagulation Process in Human Plasma In Vitro. literature abstract metadata