Balloon Pea
Lessertia frutescens
Lessertia frutescens, a plant traditionally not known for any specific medicinal uses, has shown promise in scientific research. Studies have indicated potential anticancer effects and immunomodulatory properties of compounds isolated from this plant, with TUTLFNC37 isolate demonstrating improved drought tolerance by enhancing root proliferation and metabolite production. While the evidence suggests some antiproliferative activity in vitro, there is a lack of rigorous in vivo studies and clinical trials to support its use as a cancer treatment. Safety concerns are minimal, with no major issues recorded, and there are currently no known drug interactions associated with Lessertia frutescens.
- 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
- The study found that Lessertia frutescens exhibits various biological activities, including potential anticancer effects and immunomodulatory properties.
- Isolate TUTLFNC37 enhanced drought tolerance in Lessertia frutescens by improving root proliferation and metabolite production.
- The available data suggest that Sutherlandia frutescens shows some potential antiproliferative effects in vitro but lacks rigorous clinical evidence and meets few established guidelines for evaluating its bioactivity.
- Compounds isolated from Lessertia frutescens showed negligible toxicity and improved cell viability in MPP+-exposed SH-SY5Y cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Balloon Pea?
Balloon Pea (Lessertia frutescens) 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 Balloon Pea?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Balloon Pea; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Lessertia frutescens exhibits various biological activities, including potential anticancer effects and immunomodulatory properties.
How strong is the evidence for Balloon Pea?
The strongest finding for Balloon Pea carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Balloon Pea safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Balloon Pea in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Balloon Pea interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Balloon Pea in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Balloon Pea?
Balloon Pea is also known as: Сутерландия кустарниковая.
Is Balloon Pea 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 Bioprospecting for Rhizobacteria with the Ability to Enhance Drought Tolerance in Lessertia frutescens. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Isolation of Lessertiosides A and B and Other Metabolites from Lessertia frutescens and Their Neuroprotection Activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of Lessertia frutescens (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The "Cancer Bush" Sutherlandia (syn. Lessertia) frutescens. An Example of Promotional Research, or Is There Scientific Merit? literature abstract metadata