Calabash Tree
Crescentia cujete
Crescentia cujete, also known as calabash tree or gour, is a plant native to tropical regions of Central and South America. While traditional uses for this plant are not well-documented, it has been studied in various contexts. Scientific evidence suggests that fermented Crescentia cujete may have some potential immunomodulatory effects, particularly by increasing CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios. In another study involving ranchu goldfish, the fruit extract of Crescentia cujete showed significant increases in heterophils and affected C-reactive protein levels, COX-2 immunoreactivity, and CD4+ levels. Additionally, molecular docking and dynamics simulations have identified several compounds with potential antidiabetic activity, though further validation is required to confirm these findings. When combined with enrofloxacin, Crescentia cujete showed improved radiological and immunological outcomes in rat models of pneumonic pasteurellosis, although its effect on CD8+ immune expression was not significant. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.
- 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 found that fermented Crescentia cujete had no significant impact on most hematology and clinical chemistry parameters but increased CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios.
- Crescentia cujete fruit extract significantly increased heterophils and affected C-reactive protein, COX-2 immunoreactivity, and CD4+ levels in ranchu goldfish.
- The study identified several compounds from Crescentia cujete with potential antidiabetic activity against key enzymes involved in type-2 diabetes mellitus, though further validation is needed.
- FCC, when combined with enrofloxacin, showed improved lung repair and increased immune expression in rats with induced pneumonic pasteurellosis compared to other treatments, though it did not affect CD8+ immune expression.
Frequently asked questions
What is Calabash Tree?
Calabash Tree (Crescentia cujete) 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 Calabash Tree?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Calabash Tree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that fermented Crescentia cujete had no significant impact on most hematology and clinical chemistry parameters but increased CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios.
How strong is the evidence for Calabash Tree?
The strongest finding for Calabash Tree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Calabash Tree safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Calabash Tree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Calabash Tree interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Calabash Tree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Calabash Tree?
Calabash Tree is also known as: Калебасовое дерево, calebassier.
Is Calabash Tree 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 Cheminformatics identification of modulators of key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes from C. cujete for type-2 diabetes mellitus intervention. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effects of fermented Crescentia cujete L. on the profile of hematology, clinical chemistry, and circulatory CD4+/CD8+ in Sprague Dawley rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effects of Crescentia cujete (L.) fruit extract on the profile of hematology of ranchu goldfish (Carassius auratus). literature abstract metadata
- T2 The standardization and efficacy of fermented Crescentia cujete (L.) in combination with enrofloxacin against artificially induced pneumonic pasteurellosis in rat models. literature abstract metadata