FolkKB

Bemban

Donax canniformis

Donax canniformis is a plant that has been traditionally used for basket and rope making in the Philippines, with evidence dating back to 39-33,000 years ago. While there are no recorded traditional uses beyond this application, studies have documented its presence in various ecosystems, including Tabon Cave in the Philippines and Klang Gates Quartz Ridge and Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape in Malaysia, highlighting areas of high biodiversity and endemism. Scientific evidence suggests that the plant's style movement is triggered mechanically rather than electrophysiologically. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Donax canniformis to date.

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

  • The study provides indirect evidence for basket and rope making using Donax canniformis plant fibers at Tabon Cave, Philippines, around 39-33,000 years ago. D PMID
  • The study documents 314 vascular plant species in Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, with unique vegetation and several endemic and endangered species. D PMID
  • The style movement in prayer plants (Marantaceae) appears to be triggered mechanically rather than electrophysiologically, contrary to some hypotheses. D PMID
  • The study identified 368 plant species in the forest over limestone of Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, highlighting areas of high biodiversity and endemism. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bemban?

Bemban (Donax canniformis) 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 Bemban?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bemban; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study provides indirect evidence for basket and rope making using Donax canniformis plant fibers at Tabon Cave, Philippines, around 39-33,000 years ago.

How strong is the evidence for Bemban?

The strongest finding for Bemban carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Bemban safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Bemban interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Bemban in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Bemban?

Bemban is also known as: Донакс канновидный.

Is Bemban 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 Electrical signals in prayer plants (marantaceae)? Insights into the trigger mechanism of the explosive style movement. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Checklist of vascular plants of Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, Malaysia, a 14-km long quartz dyke. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Diversity and composition of plant species in the forest over limestone of Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, Bohol, Philippines. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 The invisible plant technology of Prehistoric Southeast Asia: Indirect evidence for basket and rope making at Tabon Cave, Philippines, 39-33,000 years ago. literature abstract metadata