purple prairie clover
Dalea purpurea
Dalea purpurea, commonly known as purple prairie clover, originates from North American prairies and is part of traditional Native American medicine. While its specific uses are not well-documented in historical records, studies suggest potential benefits for gastrointestinal health, particularly in conditions like ulcerative colitis, where tannins from the plant may help restore intestinal homeostasis through multiple mechanisms. Additionally, research indicates that inoculation with native fungi can enhance prairie restoration using Dalea purpurea. In laboratory settings, hairy root cultures of Dalea purpurea treated with specific elicitors produced malheuran A, which demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, certain extracts from Dalea purpurea and other plants showed significant larvicidal effects against pests within 12 hours. To date, no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified for Dalea purpurea, though further research is needed to fully understand its potential applications and effects.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study finds that tannins from Dalea purpurea may restore intestinal inflammatory and oxidative homeostasis in ulcerative colitis through multiple mechanisms.
- Most tested forb species, including Dalea purpurea, benefited from inoculation with native late-successional arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in an established prairie restoration.
- Hairy root cultures of Dalea purpurea treated with specific elicitors produced and secreted malheuran A, which showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Five extracts, including Ageratum conyzoides and Abutilon theophrasti, showed larval mortality rates of over 85% within 12 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is purple prairie clover?
purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) 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 purple prairie clover?
4 sourced findings are recorded for purple prairie clover; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study finds that tannins from Dalea purpurea may restore intestinal inflammatory and oxidative homeostasis in ulcerative colitis through multiple mechanisms.
How strong is the evidence for purple prairie clover?
The strongest finding for purple prairie clover carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is purple prairie clover safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for purple prairie clover in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does purple prairie clover interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for purple prairie clover in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of purple prairie clover?
purple prairie clover is also known as: dalée violette.
Is purple prairie clover 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 Production of Malheuran A, a Geranylated Flavonoid with Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities, in Hairy Root Cultures of Dalea purpurea. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Inoculation with native, late-successional arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves the growth and establishment of desirable forbs in low-quality prairie restoration. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Tannins as Therapeutic Agents for Ulcerative Colitis: Mechanisms and Prospects in Regulating Gut Inflammatory-Oxidative Homeostasis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Larvicidal activity of antiparasitic plant extracts against ovine gastrointestinal nematodes: an in vitro study. literature abstract metadata