Bowiea
Bowiea
Bowiea is a plant traditionally used in various herbal practices. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, Bowiea volubilis has been noted in informal herbal medicine markets in Limpopo province, South Africa. Scientific evidence suggests that Bowiea volubilis extracts may have anti-inflammatory properties and exhibit diverse pharmaceutical activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. However, the strength of these findings is currently limited by the available data. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Bowiea, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- 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
- 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 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