Bowiea
Bowiea
Bowiea volubilis is a plant species found within South African traditional medicine practices. It is traditionally utilized to address skin diseases, eye irritation, palpitations, muscle pains, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and as a laxative. Scientific studies suggest the plant possesses diverse pharmaceutical properties, including antifungal, antibacterial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, alongside potential anti-inflammatory effects, though antimicrobial activity appears limited. Research indicates that extracts may inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzymes. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- laxative · skin diseases
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- laxative
- skin diseases
- eye irritation
- palpitations
- muscle pains
- urinary tract infections
- sexually transmitted diseases
What the science says
- The study identified 79 plant species, including Bowiea volubilis, traded in informal herbal medicine markets in Limpopo province, South Africa.
- Bowiea volubilis extracts inhibited CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 with IC50 values of 92.3 ± 5.5 µg/mL and 8.1 ± 0.6 µg/mL, respectively.
- Available evidence suggests Bowiea volubilis has anti-inflammatory potential, though antimicrobial activity is limited.
- Bowiea volubilis exhibits diverse pharmaceutical properties including antifungal, antibacterial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bowiea?
Bowiea (Bowiea) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Bowiea traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Bowiea for: laxative, skin diseases, eye irritation, palpitations, muscle pains, urinary tract infections. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Bowiea?
Bowiea appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bowiea?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bowiea; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified 79 plant species, including Bowiea volubilis, traded in informal herbal medicine markets in Limpopo province, South Africa.
How strong is the evidence for Bowiea?
The strongest finding for Bowiea carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bowiea safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bowiea in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bowiea interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bowiea in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bowiea?
Bowiea is also known as: Бовиэя.
Is Bowiea 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 The inhibitory activity of the extracts of popular medicinal herbs on CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19 and 3A4 and the implications for herb-drug interaction. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnobotany, therapeutic value, phytochemistry and conservation status of Bowiea volubilis: A widely used bulbous plant in southern Africa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Medicinal Plants Traded in Informal Herbal Medicine Markets of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bowiea volubilis: From "Climbing Onion" to Therapeutic Treasure-Exploring Human Health Applications. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Bowiea CC BY-SA 4.0