FolkKB

Dynamite Tree

Hura crepitans

Hura crepitans, commonly known as the bulletwood or bullet tree, is a large tree native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Traditional medicine does not record any specific uses for this plant. Scientific studies have shown that the latex from Hura crepitans exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, indicating potential medicinal benefits. Additionally, metabolites from the plant demonstrated varying cytotoxic activities on different cell lines, suggesting possible applications in cancer research or treatment. The seed oils of Hura crepitans, along with those from related species such as Thevetia nerifolia and Trichosanthes cucumerina, were found to have differing fatty acid compositions, indicating potential biofuel applications. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, but further research is necessary to fully understand its medicinal properties and potential risks.

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

  • DVC was used to study hygroscopic shrinkage in Hura crepitans endocarp tissues, revealing anisotropic behavior and varying accuracy among different software tools. D PMID
  • This study found that metabolites from Hura crepitans showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. D PMID
  • Inter- and intra-continental variations in the phytochemical composition of latex were observed, leading to significant cytotoxic activities on different cell lines. D PMID
  • The study evaluated the seed oils from Hura crepitans, Thevetia nerifolia, and Trichosanthes cucumerina, finding varying fatty acid compositions and biofuel potential. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Dynamite Tree?

Dynamite Tree (Hura crepitans) 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 Dynamite Tree?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Dynamite Tree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: DVC was used to study hygroscopic shrinkage in Hura crepitans endocarp tissues, revealing anisotropic behavior and varying accuracy among different software tools.

How strong is the evidence for Dynamite Tree?

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

Is Dynamite Tree safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Dynamite Tree interact with medications?

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

Is Dynamite Tree 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 Evaluation of seed oil from Hura crepitans, Trichosanthes cucumerina and Thevetia nerifolia. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Integrated untargeted metabolomics and bioactivity studies as new insights into the chemotaxonomy of Hura crepitans specimens from Peru and Sub-Saharan Africa. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Bioprospection of Hura crepitans metabolites against oxidative stress and inflammation: An in vitro and in silico exploration. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Quantifying hygroscopic deformation in lignocellulosic tissues: a digital volume correlation tool comparison. literature abstract metadata