dragon's-eye

Dimocarpus longan

Dimocarpus longan is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in various regions, including China, India, and Sri Lanka. Traditionally, its fruit has been consumed for its sweet flavor and believed to have restorative properties, but specific medicinal uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that longan polysaccharides may enhance immune responses, potentially making them useful as adjuvants in vaccine formulations. Additionally, topical application of 3% WIN-1001X cream containing longan extract has shown promise in improving wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting cell proliferation and collagen deposition in diabetic mice. In fish, fermented longan peel supplementation improved growth performance and immune response, indicating potential benefits for animal health. The identification of 71 DlPP2C genes, including the ABA-responsive DlPP2C1, further highlights its biological significance but does not directly translate to human applications. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported thus far.

At a glance
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

  • Longan polysaccharide (LP) boosted both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice when formulated with a model antigen, suggesting its potential as a safe adjuvant. D PMID
  • Topical application of 3% WIN-1001X cream improved wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting cell proliferation and collagen deposition in diabetic mice. D PMID
  • Fermented longan peel supplementation at 20 g kg-1 improved growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal structure, and immune response in Nile tilapia. D PMID
  • The study identified four genetic groups in longan with heterogeneous within-group variation and a candidate interval on chromosome 11 showing potential selective sweep. D PMID
  • The study identified 71 DlPP2C genes in longan, with DlPP2C1 showing strong ABA-responsive expression, suggesting a role in ABA signaling. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is dragon's-eye?

dragon's-eye (Dimocarpus longan) 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 dragon's-eye?

5 sourced findings are recorded for dragon's-eye; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Longan polysaccharide (LP) boosted both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice when formulated with a model antigen, suggesting its potential as a safe adjuvant.

How strong is the evidence for dragon's-eye?

The strongest finding for dragon's-eye carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is dragon's-eye safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for dragon's-eye in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does dragon's-eye interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for dragon's-eye in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of dragon's-eye?

dragon's-eye is also known as: лонган, longanier.

Is dragon's-eye 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. T2 Effects of Fermented Longan Peel (Dimocarpus longan) on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Intestinal Microstructure, Immune Response, and Gene Expression of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Raised Under Biofloc System. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Extract of Polygala tenuifolia, Angelica tenuissima, and Dimocarpus longan improve skin wound healing in streptozotocin- induced diabetic mouse. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Genome-wide SNP analysis uncovers population structure and genetic differentiation in longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Polysaccharide Extracted from Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) as Novel Adjuvant to Boost Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Genome-Wide Analysis of PP2C Gene Family and Identification of DlPP2C1 as an ABA-Responsive Candidate Regulator During Early Somatic Embryogenesis in Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.). literature abstract metadata