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Asclepias curassavica

Asclepias curassavica

Asclepias curassavica is a perennial herb belonging to the Apocynaceae family. In various traditional medicine systems, it has been applied as a depurative, emetic, vermifuge, and purgative, with additional uses reported for fever, sores, leprosy, and venereal conditions. Scientific research is currently limited in human clinical applications, though some studies have isolated compounds from associated endophytic fungi that show potential for reversing HIV latency in laboratory settings. Other research focuses on its ecological role in monarch butterfly development and the chemical properties of its cardenolides. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
emetic · vermifuge
Traditions
traditional · Unani
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • emetic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • vermifuge Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • purgative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sores traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sudorific Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • headache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • leprosy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sternutatory traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • venereal traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • anthelmintic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • caries traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Seven new compounds were isolated from an endophytic fungus associated with Asclepias curassavica, showing potential activity in reversing HIV latency. D PMID
  • The study found that Asclepias curassavica may extend monarch butterfly development into seasons with typically lower growth rates compared to native A. incarnata. D PMID
  • The study elucidates the developmental processes involved in gynostegium formation across Apocynaceae species, highlighting morphological and anatomical changes. D PMID
  • The study found that N,S-cardenolides reduced monarch butterfly caterpillar growth efficiency and sequestration compared to other cardenolides, and phytochemical mixtures imposed additional costs beyond individual toxins. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Asclepias curassavica?

Asclepias curassavica (Asclepias curassavica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Asclepias curassavica traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Asclepias curassavica for: emetic, vermifuge, bleeding, purgative, fever, sores. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Asclepias curassavica?

Asclepias curassavica appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Unani.

What does the scientific evidence say about Asclepias curassavica?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Asclepias curassavica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Seven new compounds were isolated from an endophytic fungus associated with Asclepias curassavica, showing potential activity in reversing HIV latency.

How strong is the evidence for Asclepias curassavica?

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

Is Asclepias curassavica safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Asclepias curassavica interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Asclepias curassavica?

Asclepias curassavica is also known as: Ваточник кюрасавский.

Is Asclepias curassavica 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. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 The role of a non-native host plant in altering the seasonal dynamics of Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) development. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Harziachalasins A-G, polycyclic-fused cytochalasins from the endophytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum MLJ-4 with HIV latency reversal activity. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Cardenolide toxin diversity impacts monarch butterfly growth and sequestration. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Step by step: Floral structure and developmental changes to the formation of the gynostegium in Apocynaceae s.l. literature abstract metadata