black currant-tree

Antidesma ghaesembilla

Antidesma ghaesembilla is a plant traditionally used in various African and Southeast Asian cultures. While its specific traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, it has been studied for potential health benefits. Scientific research has isolated two new alkaloids and fourteen known compounds from the leaves of Antidesma ghaesembilla, which showed varying degrees of anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, an ethanolic extract from the plant increased antioxidant enzyme expressions in HEK-293 cells and demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity when part of a traditional Thai plant formula. From bark extracts, ten substances were identified, including two new derivatives, but no health effects were reported. Safety concerns are currently minimal with no major issues recorded, and there is no evidence of drug interactions at this time.

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

  • Two new alkaloids and fourteen known compounds were isolated from Antidesma ghaesembilla leaves, showing varying degrees of inhibition on LPS-stimulated NO production in cell lines. D PMID
  • Antidesma ghaesembilla extracts increased antioxidant enzyme expressions in HEK-293 cells. D PMID
  • The study identified ten substances from Antidesma ghaesembilla bark, including two new derivatives, but did not find any health effects. D PMID
  • The ethanolic extract from Antidesma ghaesembilla showed moderate antioxidant activity when part of a traditional Thai formula. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is black currant-tree?

black currant-tree (Antidesma ghaesembilla) 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 black currant-tree?

4 sourced findings are recorded for black currant-tree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Two new alkaloids and fourteen known compounds were isolated from Antidesma ghaesembilla leaves, showing varying degrees of inhibition on LPS-stimulated NO production in cell lines.

How strong is the evidence for black currant-tree?

The strongest finding for black currant-tree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is black currant-tree safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does black currant-tree interact with medications?

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

Is black currant-tree 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 Thai Fruits Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Induction of Antioxidant Enzymes in HEK-293 Cells. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Aristolic Acid Derivatives from the Bark of Antidesma ghaesembilla. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 New Alkaloids and Anti-inflammatory Constituents from the Leaves of Antidesma ghaesembilla. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Phytochemical Screening on Phenolic, Flavonoid Contents, and Antioxidant Activities of Six Indigenous Plants Used in Traditional Thai Medicine. literature abstract metadata