umbellate wintergreen
Chimaphila umbellata
Chimaphila umbellata is a perennial herb found in North American traditional medicine. It has been historically utilized as a diuretic, astringent, and alterative to address kidney complaints, diabetes, fever, infections, and various digestive or rheumatic issues. Scientific research has identified specific 1,4-naphthoquinones within the plant that exhibit complex I bypass activity, and some studies suggest its potential utility in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia. There is currently no data regarding major safety concerns or notable drug interactions. This information is for educational purposes only.
- Traditionally for
- diuretic · alterative
- Traditions
- traditional · Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- diuretic
- alterative
- aperitif
- astringent
- diabetes
- digestive complaints
- fever
- infections
- kidney complaints
- myalgia
- rheumatism
- stiffness
- stomach complaints
- sudorific
- typhus
What the science says
- The study identified four plant-derived 1,4-naphthoquinones with complex I bypass activity from Chimaphila umbellata.
- The clinical usefulness of Eviprostat and EVI-F tablets for benign prostatic hyperplasia was comparable, showing gradual improvement in symptoms and QOL without significant side effects.
- Mixotrophy in Chimaphila umbellata did not vary with light or tissue age.
- Chimaphila umbellata showed varying fungal associations during seedling development, with some narrowing compared to other species.
Frequently asked questions
What is umbellate wintergreen?
umbellate wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is umbellate wintergreen traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record umbellate wintergreen for: diuretic, alterative, aperitif, astringent, diabetes, digestive complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use umbellate wintergreen?
umbellate wintergreen appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about umbellate wintergreen?
4 sourced findings are recorded for umbellate wintergreen; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study identified four plant-derived 1,4-naphthoquinones with complex I bypass activity from Chimaphila umbellata.
How strong is the evidence for umbellate wintergreen?
The strongest finding for umbellate wintergreen carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is umbellate wintergreen safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for umbellate wintergreen in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does umbellate wintergreen interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for umbellate wintergreen in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of umbellate wintergreen?
umbellate wintergreen is also known as: Зимолюбка зонтичная, Chimaphile à ombelles.
Is umbellate wintergreen 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 [Assessment of clinical usefulness of Eviprostat for benign prostatic hyperplasia--comparison of Eviprostat tablet with a formulation containing two-times more active ingredients]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Natural Product Screening Reveals Naphthoquinone Complex I Bypass Factors. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Specificity of fungal associations of Pyroleae and Monotropa hypopitys during germination and seedling development. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mixotrophy in Pyroleae (Ericaceae) from Estonian boreal forests does not vary with light or tissue age. literature abstract metadata