February Daphne
Daphne mezereum
Daphne mezereum, a shrub native to Europe and western Asia, has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. In Transylvania, Romania, it was noted for its use in treating skin problems, while in traditional Karelian medicine from the 1850s to 2000s, it was among several plants with documented uses. Scientific studies have identified pro-inflammatory polysaccharides such as arabinans, galactans, and pectic polysaccharides, which showed potent inhibition of TNF-α secretion in certain cell models. However, the broader scientific evidence is limited, and more research is needed to confirm these findings. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Daphne mezereum, but caution should be exercised due to its toxicity; ingestion can cause severe reactions including skin irritation and poisoning.
- 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
- Daphne mezereum was among 144 drugs documented for treating skin problems, alongside other plants and materials.
- Neochamaejasmin A and B showed potent inhibition of TNF-α secretion in Con A stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
- The study identified and characterized pro-inflammatory polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum, including arabinans, galactans, and pectic polysaccharides.
- Daphne mezereum was one of the 104 medicinal plant species documented with 386 uses in traditional Karelian folk medicine from the 1850s-2000s.
Frequently asked questions
What is February Daphne?
February Daphne (Daphne mezereum) 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 February Daphne?
4 sourced findings are recorded for February Daphne; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Daphne mezereum was among 144 drugs documented for treating skin problems, alongside other plants and materials.
How strong is the evidence for February Daphne?
The strongest finding for February Daphne carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is February Daphne safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for February Daphne in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does February Daphne interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for February Daphne in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of February Daphne?
February Daphne is also known as: Волчеягодник обыкновенный, bois-joli.
Is February Daphne 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 Historical Review of Ethnopharmacology in Karelia (1850s-2020s): Herbs and healers. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnomedicine survey on folk dermatology in Transylvania, Romania. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Structural elucidation of novel pro-inflammatory polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Biflavonoids and bi- and tricoumarins from Daphne mezereum and inhibition of TNF-α secretion. literature abstract metadata