Calabash Tree
Crescentia cujete
Crescentia cujete, commonly known as calabash tree or gour, is a plant native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Its traditional use in medicine is not well-documented, though it has been employed for various cultural purposes such as crafting containers from its fruit. Scientific evidence suggests that fermented Crescentia cujete may have some potential immunomodulatory effects, particularly by increasing CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios. Additionally, studies indicate that the fruit extract can influence heterophils and affect C-reactive protein levels in ranchu goldfish, as well as show promise against key enzymes involved in type-2 diabetes mellitus, though more research is needed to confirm these findings. Safety data for Crescentia cujete appears to be favorable with no major issues recorded. There are also no reported drug interactions associated with its use.
- 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