Castor aralia
Kalopanax septemlobus
Kalopanax septemlobus is a traditional Asian plant used in various cultural practices but lacks specific recorded traditional uses. Scientifically, it has shown promise with kalopanaxsaponin A demonstrating strong antifungal activity against Trichophyton species in vitro. The plant also exhibits potential for heavy metal accumulation and shows significant effects on rheumatoid arthritis, along with diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. While the engineered yeast production of triterpenoids from Kalopanax septemlobus holds promise, current yields require improvement for industrial use. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded to date.
- 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
- Two compounds were isolated from Kalopanax septemlobus, with kalopanaxsaponin A showing strong in vitro antifungal activity against Trichophyton species.
- The study engineered yeast to produce trace amounts of plant triterpenoids including asiatic, madecassic, and arjunolic acids.
- Kalopanax septemlobus among other plants showed varying abilities to accumulate heavy metals in soils from phosphate waste rocks and phosphorus chemical industrial zones.
- Kalopanax septemlobus shows significant effects on rheumatoid arthritis and has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Frequently asked questions
What is Castor aralia?
Castor aralia (Kalopanax septemlobus) 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 Castor aralia?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Castor aralia; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Two compounds were isolated from Kalopanax septemlobus, with kalopanaxsaponin A showing strong in vitro antifungal activity against Trichophyton species.
How strong is the evidence for Castor aralia?
The strongest finding for Castor aralia carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Castor aralia safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Castor aralia in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Castor aralia interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Castor aralia in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Castor aralia?
Castor aralia is also known as: Калопанакс.
Is Castor aralia 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 Engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for the production of plant triterpenoids: Asiatic, madecassic, and arjunolic acids. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Kalopanax septemlobus: its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity (1966-2022). literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Antifungal Activity and Potential Mechanism of Kalopanax septemlobus against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Naturally growing plants accumulate heavy metals differently in phosphate waste rocks and phosphorus chemical industrial zones in Southwest China. literature abstract metadata