East Indian screwtree
Helicteres isora
Helicteres isora is a plant species utilized within various traditional medicinal systems. It is historically applied as an expectorant, astringent, and demulcent, with uses spanning conditions such as dysentery, colic, amebiasis, cholera, and empyema. Scientific studies suggest potential benefits, including the ability of extracted diosgenin to inhibit HIV-1 replication and the capacity of fruit extracts to provide antioxidant effects and moderate cytotoxicity against certain cells. Additionally, extracts have shown potential in modulating cytokines in arthritic models. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- dysentery · colic
- Traditions
- Ayurveda · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- dysentery
- colic
- stomach ache
- amebiasis
- antigalactogogue
- appetizer
- astringent
- bilious
- carbuncle
- cholera
- colic diarrhea
- demulcent
- diarrhea
- empyema
- expectorant
What the science says
- The study demonstrates that diosgenin extracted from Helicteres isora exhibits potential as an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication.
- EEHI showed significant dose-dependent improvements in arthritic rats through modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress.
- The methanolic fruit extract of Helicteres isora showed strong antioxidant capacity and moderate cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells.
- Silane-treated Helicteres isora fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites exhibited lower water absorption and higher tensile strength compared to untreated counterparts.
Frequently asked questions
What is East Indian screwtree?
East Indian screwtree (Helicteres isora) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is East Indian screwtree traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record East Indian screwtree for: dysentery, colic, stomach ache, amebiasis, antigalactogogue, appetizer. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use East Indian screwtree?
East Indian screwtree appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about East Indian screwtree?
4 sourced findings are recorded for East Indian screwtree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study demonstrates that diosgenin extracted from Helicteres isora exhibits potential as an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication.
How strong is the evidence for East Indian screwtree?
The strongest finding for East Indian screwtree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is East Indian screwtree safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for East Indian screwtree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does East Indian screwtree interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for East Indian screwtree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is East Indian screwtree 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Role of diosgenin extracted from Helicteres isora L in suppression of HIV-1 replication: An in vitro preclinical study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physical and thermomechanical characterization of unidirectional Helicteres isora fiber-reinforced polylactic acid bio-composites. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Targeting Colorectal Cancer With Helicteres isora L.: Integrative Approach Combining Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and In Vitro Validation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anti-arthritic effect of Helicteres isora L. ethanolic extract via modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress in CFA-induced arthritic rats. literature abstract metadata