Chinese-lantern
Alkekengi officinarum
Alkekengi officinarum, also known as winter jasmine or Physalis alkekengi, is a traditional plant that has been used in various cultural practices. While specific traditional uses for this plant are not well-documented, it is often associated with folk medicine and herbal remedies across different regions. Scientific evidence suggests that the inflated fruiting calyces of Alkekengi officinarum and related species exhibit unique cuticular compositions that help reduce water loss and create protective microclimates for fruit maturation. Additionally, some traditional botanical drugs have shown potential nephroprotective effects, though more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. Studies indicate that extracts from both Hippophae rhamnoides and Alkekengi officinarum can slow the increase of acrylamide in roasted chicken breast during storage; however, their protective effects may be inadequate over long-term storage conditions. 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
- The study found that inflated fruiting calyces of Physalis, Alkekengi, and Nicandra species exhibit unique cuticular compositions and barrier functions, contributing to reduced water loss and protective microclimates for fruit maturation.
- The review highlights that some traditional botanical drugs have shown potential nephroprotective effects, though more robust clinical trials are needed.
- Relative growth performance of S. rostratum decreased with increasing resident non-invasive species richness, regardless of available soil water and nutrients.
- The study found that extracts from both Hippophae rhamnoides and Alkekengi officinarum slowed the increase of acrylamide in roasted chicken breast during storage, but their protective effects were inadequate over long-term storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese-lantern?
Chinese-lantern (Alkekengi officinarum) 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 Chinese-lantern?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese-lantern; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that inflated fruiting calyces of Physalis, Alkekengi, and Nicandra species exhibit unique cuticular compositions and barrier functions, contributing to reduced water loss and protective microclimates for fruit maturation.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese-lantern?
The strongest finding for Chinese-lantern carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese-lantern safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese-lantern in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese-lantern interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese-lantern in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese-lantern?
Chinese-lantern is also known as: китайский фонарик, Amour-en-cage.
Is Chinese-lantern 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 The effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L and Alkekengi officinarum Moench fruits extracts on the changes of acrylamide content in roasted chicken breast during storage literature abstract metadata
- T2 Multifunctional Contribution of the Inflated Fruiting Calyx: Implication for Cuticular Barrier Profiles of the Solanaceous Genera Physalis, Alkekengi, and Nicandra. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Relative Growth of Invasive Solanum rostratum Dunal Decreases with Increasing Competitive Species Richness Regardless of Resource Conditions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A comprehensive review on indigenous therapeutic approaches in kidney care using Ayush medicine. literature abstract metadata