Pale Desertthorn
Lycium pallidum
Lycium pallidum is a shrub traditionally found in regions of the Colorado Plateau. Although its specific traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, it has been noted for its ethnographic importance at archaeological sites. Scientific evidence suggests that Lycium pallidum plays a significant role in foliar nutrient resorption and litter production; however, findings regarding its response to varying CO₂ levels and drought conditions are inconclusive. The plant's litter production is notably high, with annual ranges from 52 to 173 grams per shrub. Drought conditions have been observed to reduce decomposition rates by up to 43.5%. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Lycium pallidum.
- 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 the richness of ethnographically important plant species, including Lycium pallidum, is strongly associated with archaeological complexity at Puebloan sites on the Colorado Plateau.
- Foliar nutrient resorption efficiencies in Lycium pallidum did not significantly differ between CO₂ levels, with variations influenced more by rainfall conditions.
- Lycium pallidum produced the most litter among studied shrubs, ranging from 52 to 173 g per shrub annually.
- The study found that extreme drought reduced litter decomposition by 43.5% compared to control plots, with variations depending on plant part and soil depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pale Desertthorn?
Pale Desertthorn (Lycium pallidum) 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 Pale Desertthorn?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Pale Desertthorn; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that the richness of ethnographically important plant species, including Lycium pallidum, is strongly associated with archaeological complexity at Puebloan sites on the Colorado Plateau.
How strong is the evidence for Pale Desertthorn?
The strongest finding for Pale Desertthorn carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Pale Desertthorn safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Pale Desertthorn in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Pale Desertthorn interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Pale Desertthorn in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Pale Desertthorn 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 Foliar nutrient resorption in two Mojave Desert shrubs exposed to Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) literature abstract metadata
- T2 Litter Fall From Shrubs in the Northern Mojave Desert literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plant species richness at archaeological sites suggests ecological legacy of Indigenous subsistence on the Colorado Plateau. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The response of litter decomposition to extreme drought modified by plant species, plant part, and soil depth in a temperate grassland. literature abstract metadata