Cupid's shaving-brush

Emilia sonchifolia

Emilia sonchifolia, a plant native to South America, has not been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. However, it holds cultural significance as one of 96 edible flower taxa documented in various traditions. Scientifically, studies have identified key enzymes involved in senkirkine biosynthesis and highlighted gene expression differences in response to viral infection, indicating potential biological activity. While the ethanol extract showed hepatotoxicity associated with cholestasis and oxidative stress in mice, no significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported.

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 identified 45 key enzymes involved in senkirkine biosynthesis, with higher expression in roots compared to flowers. D PMID
  • A total of 96 edible flower taxa were documented, with Emilia sonchifolia among those showing high cultural significance. D PMID
  • The study identified 195 differentially expressed genes in Emilia sonchifolia infected with Emilia yellow vein virus, revealing responses related to ROS scavenging and stress. D PMID
  • The ethanol extract of Emilia sonchifolia induced hepatotoxicity associated with cholestasis and oxidative stress in mice. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Cupid's shaving-brush?

Cupid's shaving-brush (Emilia sonchifolia) 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 Cupid's shaving-brush?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Cupid's shaving-brush; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified 45 key enzymes involved in senkirkine biosynthesis, with higher expression in roots compared to flowers.

How strong is the evidence for Cupid's shaving-brush?

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

Is Cupid's shaving-brush safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Cupid's shaving-brush interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Cupid's shaving-brush?

Cupid's shaving-brush is also known as: Emilia, petit laiteron.

Is Cupid's shaving-brush 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 Combined metabolome and transcriptome to analyze the regulatory network of key enzymes in the synthesis of senkirkine in Emilia sonchifolia. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol extract of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC revealed by proteomics and metabolomics. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Integrated transcriptomic analysis reveals transcriptional changes associated with begomovirus infection in the medicinal plant Emilia sonchifolia. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Traditional Knowledge and Biocultural Roles of Edible Flowers in Local Food Systems of Baise City, Guangxi, China. literature abstract metadata