Air plant
Kalanchoe pinnata
Kalanchoe pinnata, a plant native to Madagascar, has not been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Scientific studies have shown mixed results; while nectar robbing by native species was found to significantly decrease fruit production, suggesting it acts as a biotic resistance mechanism, Kalanchoe pinnata biosynthesized silver nanoparticles displayed potential antioxidant and anti-cancer properties against HepG2 cells. Additionally, Ag-ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using the leaf extract demonstrated enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Extracts from Kalanchoe pinnata also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; however, these results varied among different tested species. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- 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
- Nectar robbing by native species significantly decreased fruit production in Kalanchoe pinnata, suggesting it acts as a biotic resistance mechanism.
- Kalanchoe pinnata biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed antioxidant and anti-cancer potential against HepG2 cells.
- Ag-ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Kalanchoe pinnata leaf extract showed enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities compared to pure ZnO.
- Kalanchoe pinnata extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, though results varied among tested species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Air plant?
Air plant (Kalanchoe pinnata) 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 Air plant?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Air plant; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Nectar robbing by native species significantly decreased fruit production in Kalanchoe pinnata, suggesting it acts as a biotic resistance mechanism.
How strong is the evidence for Air plant?
The strongest finding for Air plant carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Air plant safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Air plant in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Air plant interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Air plant in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Air plant?
Air plant is also known as: Каланхое перистое, Caractère des hommes.
Is Air plant 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 Mechanisms of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Selected South African Celastraceae and Crassulaceae Plant Species With Known Efficacy Against Bovine Mastitis Bacterial Pathogens. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant and anticancer potential of Kalanchoe pinnata green synthesized silver nanoparticles targeting p53/MDM2 nexus in hepatic cancer: integrated in vitro and in silico study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Biosynthesis of zinc oxide and silver/zinc oxide nanocompositesusing Kalanchoe pinnata leaf extracts for antibacterial and anticancer applications. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nectar robbing as a mechanism of biotic resistance against an invasive plant in the Galápagos Islands. literature abstract metadata