Balsam
Impatiens balsamina
Impatiens balsamina is a flowering plant utilized in various traditional practices, including its use as a dye in Guangxi. Historically, it has been applied for a wide range of ailments such as wounds, inflammation, bacterial infections, eye complaints, and digestive issues like constipation or dysphagia. Scientific research has demonstrated that both seed and seed-derived callus extracts exhibit antioxidant activities, with the seed extracts showing higher potency. Genomic studies have also provided insights into its evolution and the biosynthesis of kaempferol derivatives. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- diuretic · emetic
- Traditions
- traditional · TCM
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- diuretic
- emetic
- wounds
- antidote
- astringent
- bacterial infections
- caries
- cathartic
- circulatory complaints
- dysphagia
- eye complaints
- fish-bones
- inflammation
- laxative
- lumbago
What the science says
- Both seed (IB) and seed-derived callus (IBC) extracts of Impatiens balsamina exhibited antioxidant activities across multiple assays, with IB showing higher activity.
- The narrow hybrid zone between Impatiens rosea and Impatiens balsamina in the Western Ghats persists through inbreeding among hybrids and involves unidirectional introgression.
- The study presents a chromosome-level genome of Impatiens balsamina along with insights into its genome evolution and the biosynthesis of kaempferol derivatives.
- The study documented 166 traditional dye plant species in Guangxi, with Impatiens balsamina among the most commonly used for dyeing.
- The study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Impatiens balsamina-M1 and Zinc Oxide nanoparticles against Helicobacter pylori, showing additive effects in biofilm disruption and reduced bacterial invasion.
Frequently asked questions
What is Balsam?
Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Balsam traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Balsam for: diuretic, emetic, wounds, antidote, astringent, bacterial infections. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Balsam?
Balsam appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, TCM.
What does the scientific evidence say about Balsam?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Balsam; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Both seed (IB) and seed-derived callus (IBC) extracts of Impatiens balsamina exhibited antioxidant activities across multiple assays, with IB showing higher activity.
How strong is the evidence for Balsam?
The strongest finding for Balsam carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Balsam safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Balsam in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Balsam interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Balsam in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Balsam?
Balsam is also known as: Недотрога бальзаминовая.
Is Balsam 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 Evaluation of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of peptide Impatiens balsamina-M1 and Zinc oxide nanoparticles against Helicobacter pylori. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Sustaining colors of tradition: ethnobotanical study on natural dye plants in Guangxi, China. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insights into the past, present and future of a narrow hybrid zone in the Impatiens of the Western Ghats, India. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A chromosome level genome, as well as transcriptomes and metabolomes, insights into genome evolution and the biosynthesis of kaempferol and kaempferol derivatives in Impatiens balsamina (Balsaminaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antioxidant Activities and Lipid Accumulation-Inhibitory Effects of Seed and Callus Extracts of Impatiens balsamina L. literature abstract metadata