Mascarene Islands cabbage palm
Acanthophoenix rubra
Acanthophoenix rubra is a species of palm tree traditionally found on Réunion Island. While there are no specific traditional uses recorded, studies have shown that Réunion Island has the highest species richness among the islands with 66 identified taxa, indicating its ecological significance. Phylogenetic analyses suggest accurate placement of fossils to tribe and subtribe levels, but node support should be considered. Scientific evidence indicates that various carboxylic acids inhibit polyphenol oxidase in Acanthophoenix rubra, with cinnamic acid showing the greatest effect. Pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) was preferred by consumers over Mascarenes palms and showed slower oxidation, suggesting potential for minimal processing. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Various carboxylic acids inhibit Acanthophoenix rubra polyphenol oxidase, with cinnamic acid showing the greatest effect.
- Phylogenetic analyses suggest that fossils can be placed accurately to the tribe and subtribe level with this data set, but node support must be considered.
- The study found that Réunion Island had the highest species richness among the three islands (Terceira, Tenerife, and Réunion) with 66 identified taxa, while Morellafaya was the only shared endemic species between Terceira and Tenerife.
- Pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) was preferred by consumers over Mascarenes palms and showed slower oxidation, suggesting potential for minimal processing.
- The study found that Acanthophoenix rubra polyphenol oxidase activity decreases with increasing temperature, showing two steps of denaturation, and has an optimal pH of 5.2.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mascarene Islands cabbage palm?
Mascarene Islands cabbage palm (Acanthophoenix rubra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Mascarene Islands cabbage palm?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Mascarene Islands cabbage palm; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Various carboxylic acids inhibit Acanthophoenix rubra polyphenol oxidase, with cinnamic acid showing the greatest effect.
How strong is the evidence for Mascarene Islands cabbage palm?
The strongest finding for Mascarene Islands cabbage palm carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Mascarene Islands cabbage palm safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Mascarene Islands cabbage palm in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Mascarene Islands cabbage palm interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Mascarene Islands cabbage palm in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Mascarene Islands cabbage palm?
Mascarene Islands cabbage palm is also known as: Акантофеникс красный, Palmiste rouge.
Is Mascarene Islands cabbage palm 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
- T2 Kinetic study of the irreversible thermal deactivation of palmito (Acanthophoenix rubra) polyphenol oxidase and effect of pH. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Inhibition of palmito (Acanthophoenix rubra) polyphenol oxidase by carboxylic acids literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physico-chemical analyses, sensory evaluation and potential of minimal processing of pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) compared to Mascarenes palms literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fossil palm reading: using fruits to reveal the deep roots of palm diversity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrating plot-based methods for monitoring biodiversity in island habitats under the scope of BIODIVERSA + project BioMonI: Tree monitoring in Terceira, Tenerife and Réunion Islands. literature abstract metadata