Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Acer saccharum, commonly known as the sugar maple, is a traditional tree species native to North America. While its use in traditional medicine has not been documented, it has played significant roles in various cultural practices, particularly for its sap used in syrup production and its wood for crafting. Scientific studies have shown mixed results; one study found that sugar maple seeds did not respond to slug herbivore cues, while another noted that glyphosate treatments increased the density of sugar maples without affecting overall tree species richness. Methane emissions from heart rot in sugar maples were observed to increase but had no significant impact on CO2 fluxes. Safety and drug interaction concerns for this plant are currently not well-documented; no major issues or interactions have been reported, though further research is warranted.
- 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
- Contrary to expectations, sugar maple seeds and seedlings did not exhibit any responses to slug herbivore cues.
- The initial census found 29,280 free-standing living stems of 79 species from 35 families within the plot.
- Glyphosate treatments significantly reduced beech regeneration and increased sugar maple density without affecting overall tree species richness.
- Heart rot in sugar maple increased methane emissions from stems but did not significantly affect CO2 fluxes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sugar Maple?
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 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 Sugar Maple?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Sugar Maple; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Contrary to expectations, sugar maple seeds and seedlings did not exhibit any responses to slug herbivore cues.
How strong is the evidence for Sugar Maple?
The strongest finding for Sugar Maple carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Sugar Maple safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Sugar Maple in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Sugar Maple interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Sugar Maple in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Sugar Maple?
Sugar Maple is also known as: Клён сахарный, érable à sucre.
Is Sugar Maple 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 Glyphosate treatments for managing successional dynamics in beech bark disease-affected northern hardwood forests. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Forest health, heart rot disease, and their impact on the source of carbon-based greenhouse gas fluxes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Initial tree census for the Paint Rock Forest Dynamics Plot, Alabama, USA. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Woody seeds and seedlings are unresponsive to herbivore kairomones. literature abstract metadata