FolkKB

Asian spiderflower

Cleome viscosa

Cleome viscosa is a plant species found in various ecological niches, including inselberg communities in Burkina Faso. In traditional medicine, it is applied to address headaches, rheumatism, wounds, and ophthalmia, and is also utilized as an aperitif, stimulant, or for ear ailments. Scientific research has identified a thermally stable serine protease inhibitor in its seeds and noted that lupeol acetate may possess potential cardioprotective properties. There is currently no broad clinical evidence regarding its efficacy in humans. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
headache · aperitif
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

What the science says

  • The study records Bagrada hilaris feeding on Cleome viscosa, among other plant associations. D PMID
  • A thermally stable serine protease inhibitor was isolated from Cleome viscosa seeds, exhibiting noncompetitive inhibition and stability up to 90 °C. D PMID
  • Lupeol acetate from Cleome viscosa showed potential as a cardioprotective candidate for myocardial infarction based on its pharmacological properties and molecular interactions. D PMID
  • The study identified 12 plant communities on inselbergs in Burkina Faso, including Cleome viscosa as an indicator species in some communities. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Asian spiderflower?

Asian spiderflower (Cleome viscosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Asian spiderflower traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Asian spiderflower for: headache, aperitif, ear, ophthalmia, rheumatism, stimulant. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Asian spiderflower?

Asian spiderflower appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Asian spiderflower?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Asian spiderflower; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study records Bagrada hilaris feeding on Cleome viscosa, among other plant associations.

How strong is the evidence for Asian spiderflower?

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

Is Asian spiderflower safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Asian spiderflower interact with medications?

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

Is Asian spiderflower 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 Plant communities on inselbergs in Burkina Faso. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 New records, diagnostics and preliminary checklist of the superfamily Pentatomoidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from the Comoro Islands. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Lupeol acetate from Cleome viscosa as a therapeutic candidate for myocardial infarction. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Biophysical and Functional Characterization of a Thermally Stable Bifunctional Serine Protease Inhibitor from Cleome viscosa Seeds. literature abstract metadata