Bitter Oleander
Holarrhena pubescens
Holarrhena pubescens is a plant species utilized within various traditional medicinal practices. It is traditionally employed for the treatment of fever in certain regional traditions. Scientific investigations have demonstrated that steroidal alkaloids from the plant exhibit in vitro antiprotozoal activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Additionally, research suggests its extracts may show antimicrobial activity against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and potentially assist in reducing biofilm formation. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- fever
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- fever
What the science says
- Holarrhena pubescens leaves extract biosynthesized copper nanoclusters showed selective detection of bilirubin in biofluids.
- The review identified 40 plant species used for anti-malarial treatment in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
- The study identified several steroidal alkaloids from Holarrhena pubescens with in vitro antiprotozoal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Plasmodium falciparum.
- PBN exhibited antimicrobial activity against VRE, showed synergy with vancomycin and cefoxitin, and reduced biofilm formation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bitter Oleander?
Bitter Oleander (Holarrhena pubescens) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Bitter Oleander traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Bitter Oleander for: fever. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Bitter Oleander?
Bitter Oleander appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bitter Oleander?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bitter Oleander; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Holarrhena pubescens leaves extract biosynthesized copper nanoclusters showed selective detection of bilirubin in biofluids.
How strong is the evidence for Bitter Oleander?
The strongest finding for Bitter Oleander carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bitter Oleander safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bitter Oleander in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bitter Oleander interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bitter Oleander in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bitter Oleander?
Bitter Oleander is also known as: ecorce de conessie.
Is Bitter Oleander 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 Biosynthesis of copper nanoclusters for fluorescence detection of bilirubin in biofluids. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A review on the ethnomedicinal plants used for the traditional treatment of malaria in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pubescine as a Novel Antibacterial Agent Against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus: Growth Inhibition, Antibiotic Synergy, and Anti-Biofilm Activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Identification of Steroidal Alkaloids with In Vitro Antiprotozoal Activity from Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Holarrhena pubescens CC BY-SA 4.0