Cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
Aspidistra elatior, commonly known as cast iron plant or ribbon plant, is a traditional indoor ornamental plant with origins in East Asia. It has not been traditionally used for medicinal purposes and no specific folkloric uses have been recorded. Scientifically, the lectin AEL from Aspidistra elatior demonstrated some antiviral and antitumor activity in vitro, but these findings are limited and varied among different viruses and cell lines. Additionally, studies indicate that applying pulsed electric field stimulation to soil can increase negative air ion generation by various plant species, including Aspidistra elatior, though the effectiveness varies among plants tested. Safety concerns for this plant appear minimal; no major issues have been recorded. There are also no known drug interactions associated with Aspidistra elatior.
- 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
- A lectin from Aspidistra elatior showed some antiviral and antitumor activity in vitro, but effects varied among viruses and cell lines.
- Aspidistra elatior in both its natural and introduced populations is primarily pollinated by specific species of fungus gnats.
- The study found that applying pulsed electric field stimulation to soil significantly increased the generation of negative air ions by various plant species, with varying degrees of effectiveness among the tested plants.
- A lectin from Aspidistra elatior Blume, AEL, has antiproliferative activity against certain cancer cell lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cast iron plant?
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) 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 Cast iron plant?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cast iron plant; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A lectin from Aspidistra elatior showed some antiviral and antitumor activity in vitro, but effects varied among viruses and cell lines.
How strong is the evidence for Cast iron plant?
The strongest finding for Cast iron plant carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cast iron plant safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cast iron plant in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cast iron plant interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cast iron plant in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cast iron plant?
Cast iron plant is also known as: Aspidistra.
Is Cast iron plant 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 Purification and characterization of a mannose-binding lectin from the rhizomes of Aspidistra elatior Blume with antiproliferative activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antiviral and antitumor activities of the lectin extracted from Aspidistra elatior. literature abstract metadata
- T2 [Negative air ions generated by plants upon pulsed electric field stimulation applied to soil]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Specialized pollination by fungus gnats in the introduced population of Aspidistra elatior. literature abstract metadata