FolkKB

cassava

Manihot esculenta

Manihot esculenta is a tuberous plant central to various tropical food and medicinal traditions. It has been traditionally applied to treat conditions such as abscesses, boils, diarrhea, dysentery, flu, marasmus, snakebites, sores, conjunctivitis, inflammation, and prostatitis, while also serving as a demulcent, diuretic, and treatment for hernias or excrescences. Scientific research primarily focuses on its starch biosynthesis, sucrose transport mechanisms, and nutritional variability among genotypes, with some studies exploring its starch for nanostructured film synthesis. There is currently no robust clinical evidence regarding its efficacy for the aforementioned traditional medicinal uses. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
abscess · boils
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • abscess traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • boils traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • flu traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • marasmus traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • snakebite traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sores traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • conjunctivitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • demulcent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • excrescence traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hernia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inflammation traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • prostatitis traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Key starch biosynthesis genes were repressed, while starch degradation genes were induced in response to shoot pruning, with AMY3A playing a crucial role in storage root starch breakdown. D PMID
  • The study found significant variability among cassava genotypes in nutritional composition traits such as beta-carotene, starch, and dry matter content. D PMID
  • The study found that eco-friendly colloidal suspensions of Manihot esculenta starch can be used to synthesize nanostructured TiO2 films with properties comparable to conventional ethylene glycol-based electrolytes. D PMID
  • MeSUT1a, a sucrose transporter, is crucial for sucrose transport and apoplastic phloem loading in cassava. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is cassava?

cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is cassava traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record cassava for: abscess, boils, diarrhea, dysentery, flu, marasmus. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use cassava?

cassava appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about cassava?

4 sourced findings are recorded for cassava; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Key starch biosynthesis genes were repressed, while starch degradation genes were induced in response to shoot pruning, with AMY3A playing a crucial role in storage root starch breakdown.

How strong is the evidence for cassava?

The strongest finding for cassava carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is cassava safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for cassava in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does cassava interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for cassava in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of cassava?

cassava is also known as: маниок, manioc.

Is cassava 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Starch-Based Eco-Friendly Electrolyte from Manihot esculenta for the Anodic Synthesis of Nanostructured TiO2 Films. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Variability of cassava (Manihot esculenta [Cranz]) genotypes for nutritional composition in Southwestern Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Understanding and modifying starch metabolism to limit yield losses in field-grown cassava. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 MeSUT1a is essential for sucrose transport and apoplastic phloem loading in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). literature abstract metadata