Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Research
Latin Name: Hamamelis virginiana
Family: Hammamelidaceae
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action. This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.
GENERAL
- Natural Standard (2015). Witch Hazel Monograph. www.naturalstandard.com
- ACHS (2017). Course Material: HERB502: Witch Hazel Monograph. www.achs.edu
SAFETY
- Internal use in high doses can cause liver damage due to tannin content (Natural Standard, 2015).
- Witch hazel can lower blood sugar levels; it may interfere with diabetic medications (Natural Standard, 2015).
- Witch hazel may interact with antibiotic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer drugs (Natural Standard, 2015).
- Tannins in witch hazel give an anti-inflammatory, soothing effect, but most commercially available witch hazel does not contain tannins due to the distillation process. From: Graf, J. (2000). Herbal anti-inflammatory agents for skin disease. Skin Therapy Lett, 5(4), 3-5.
- Commercially bought witch hazel will usually have a higher alcohol content. Read the label.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
- Witch hazel showed mild anti-inflammatory activity in a double blind study of those treated for atopic dermatitis. From: Korting, H. C., Schäfer-Korting, M., Klövekon, W., Klövekorn, G., Martin, C., & Laux, P. (1995). Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 48(6), 461-465.
SKIN HEALING
- Extracts of white tea, rose, and witch hazel had a protective effect on human dermal fibroblast cells against hydrogen peroxide induced damage. From: Thring, T. S., Hili, P., & Naughton, D. P. (2011). Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation, 8(1), 27.
- Anti-inflammatory activity of witch hazel applied topically to the skin was demonstrated. From: Korting, H. C., Schäfer-Korting, M., Hart, H., Laux, P., & Schmid, M. (1993). Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 44(4), 315-318.
- Witch Hazel applied topically to the skin after sun exposure was anti-inflammatory. From: Hughes-Formella, B. J., Filbry, A., Gassmueller, J., & Rippke, F. (2002). Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 15(2), 125-132.
- A witch hazel ointment was an effective and safe treatment for certain skin disorders in young children. From: Wolff, H. H., & Kieser, M. (2007). Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study. European journal of pediatrics, 166(9), 943-948.
- Proanthocyanidins from witch hazel strongly increased the proliferation of the cells and reduced symptoms of irritation. From: Deters, A., Dauer, A., Schnetz, E., Fartasch, M., & Hensel, A. (2001). High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin. Phytochemistry, 58(6), 949-958.
- The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, man, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major. Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis. From: Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.
VARICOSE VEINS AND HEMORRHOIDS
- Oral supplements of witch hazel have shown to help with hemorrhoids and varicose veins. From: MacKay, D. (2001). Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options. Alternative medicine review, 6(2), 126-140.
ANTIOXIDANT
- Tannin fractions from witch hazel protected red blood cells from free radicals. From: Touriño, S., Lizárraga, D., Carreras, A., Lorenzo, S., Ugartondo, V., Mitjans, M., … & Torres, J. L. (2008). Highly galloylated tannin fractions from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark: electron transfer capacity, in vitro antioxidant activity, and effects on skin-related cells. Chemical research in toxicology, 21(3), 696-704.
ANTI-DIABETIC
- Cinnamon, witch hazel, green and black teas, allspice, bay, nutmeg, cloves, mushrooms, and brewer’s yeast showed insulin activity in vitro. From: Broadhurst, C. L., Polansky, M. M., & Anderson, R. A. (2000). Insulin-like biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant aqueous extracts in vitro. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(3), 849-852.
ANTI-MUTAGENIC
- Witch hazel showed antimutagenic activity in vitro.From: Dauer, A., Metzner, P., & Schimmer, O. (1998). Proanthocyanidins from the bark of Hamamelis virginiana exhibit antimutagenic properties against nitroaromatic compounds. Planta medica, 64(04), 324-327.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
- Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 8/28/19
