Deviltree

Alstonia macrophylla

Alstonia macrophylla is a plant traditionally used in various Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, though specific uses are not well-documented. Scientific studies have shown that Ae. albopictus mosquitoes avoid laying larvae in Alstonia macrophylla tree holes compared to those of other trees, suggesting potential ecological interactions. The plant has been found to harbor a diverse microbial community with high bacterial species richness, and eleven monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids were isolated from it, some showing potential AChE inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity. Three unique ajmaline-macroline type bisindole alkaloids, alsmaphylines A-C, have also been identified. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported for Alstonia macrophylla to date.

At a glance
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

  • Ae. albopictus coexisted with 11 different species while avoiding larvae of Cx. fuscanus, Cx. uniformis, and Tripteroides affinis in tree holes of Alstonia macrophylla and other trees. D PMID
  • Eleven monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids were isolated from Alstonia macrophylla, with some showing potential AChE inhibitory and cytotoxic activity. D PMID
  • Distinct microbial community profiles were observed across different leaf types, with Alstonia macrophylla showing high bacterial species richness. D PMID
  • Three unusual ajmaline-macroline type bisindole alkaloids, alsmaphylines A-C, were isolated from Alstonia macrophylla. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Deviltree?

Deviltree (Alstonia macrophylla) 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 Deviltree?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Deviltree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Ae. albopictus coexisted with 11 different species while avoiding larvae of Cx. fuscanus, Cx. uniformis, and Tripteroides affinis in tree holes of Alstonia macrophylla and other trees.

How strong is the evidence for Deviltree?

The strongest finding for Deviltree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Deviltree safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Deviltree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Deviltree interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Deviltree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Deviltree 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

  1. T2 Breeding site selection and co-existing patterns of tropical mosquitoes. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Discovery of Unusual Ajmaline-Macroline Type Bisindole Alkaloids from Alstonia macrophylla by Building Blocks-Based Molecular Networking. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Alstomaphylines A-K, monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids from Alstonia macrophylla with AChE inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Diversity and functional potential of bacterial and fungal endophytes in traditional food wrapping leaves reveal implications for artisanal food safety and quality. literature abstract metadata