FolkKB

Indian kapok

Bombax ceiba

Bombax ceiba is a tree species utilized extensively within various traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally applied to address conditions such as pneumonia, hemorrhage, neuralgia, and leprosy, and is sometimes used as an antidote for scorpion, spider, or centipede bites. Scientific evidence is limited but suggests that BCFE may enhance antioxidant defense and wound healing in human skin cells, while BCP-3 has shown potential in reducing oxidative stress and improving motor functions in mouse models. Additionally, its gum has demonstrated efficiency as an adsorbent for certain dyes. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
anodyne · antidote (centipede)
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • anodyne traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • antidote (centipede) traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • antidote (scorpion) traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • antidote (spider) traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • atrophy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • caries traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cholera traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • gum complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hemorrhage traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • leg pain traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • leprosy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • megalospleny traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • neuralgia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • pleurisy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • pneumonia traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • BCFE enhanced antioxidant defense and wound healing effects in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. D PMID
  • Seasonal variation and habitat type significantly influence the diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities in different parts of Bombax ceiba. D PMID
  • The study found that the Bombax ceiba gum-based adsorbent showed high and reusable removal efficiency for crystal violet dye. D PMID
  • BCP-3 improved motor functions and reduced oxidative stress in rotenone-treated mice via gut microbiota modulation. D PMID
  • BCFP significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms and improved intestinal barrier function in mice. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Indian kapok?

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

What is Indian kapok traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Indian kapok for: anodyne, antidote (centipede), antidote (scorpion), antidote (spider), atrophy, caries. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Indian kapok?

Indian kapok appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Indian kapok?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Indian kapok; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: BCFE enhanced antioxidant defense and wound healing effects in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

How strong is the evidence for Indian kapok?

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

Is Indian kapok safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Indian kapok interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Indian kapok?

Indian kapok is also known as: Бомбакс капоковый, Fromager.

Is Indian kapok 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 Microbial assembly among plant parts of a tropical tree in different habitats and seasons. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Polysaccharides From Bombax ceiba Flower by Deep Eutectic Solvent Based Three-Phase Partitioning and Their Protective Effects Against DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Cysteine functionalised cross-linked network of Bombax Ceiba gum and glycidyl methacrylate derived adsorbent for the removal of cationic dyes. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Bombax ceiba flower extract enhances antioxidant defense and wound healing effects in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Structural characterization of a pectic polysaccharide from Bombax ceiba L. flowers and its neuroprotective effects via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. literature abstract metadata