Oxalis corniculata

Oxalis corniculata

Oxalis corniculata is a creeping herb found in various tropical and subtropical regions. In traditional medicine, it is utilized as a refrigerant, depurative, and astringent to address fever, scurvy, diarrhea, dysentery, and infections, as well as for wounds, warts, and abscesses. Scientific evidence is limited but suggests potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzymatic inhibition properties in vitro. Some studies indicate that ethanol extracts may promote fracture healing through specific molecular pathways, and the molecule ET-170 has shown potential antitubercular activity in laboratory settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
refrigerant · depurative
Traditions
TCM · Unani · Western phytotherapy · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Oxalis corniculata showed antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzymatic inhibition potentials in vitro. D PMID
  • Seasonal differences in scat-derived seed deposition by chacma baboons were observed, with higher counts in the dry season, including Oxalis corniculata. D PMID
  • This study identified potential active compounds in Oxalis corniculata L. ethanol extract that may promote fracture healing through multiple molecular pathways. D PMID
  • A molecule named ET-170 from Oxalis corniculata showed potential antitubercular activity similar to a standard drug in vitro. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Oxalis corniculata?

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

What is Oxalis corniculata traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Oxalis corniculata for: refrigerant, depurative, astringent, fever, scurvy, aperitif. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Oxalis corniculata?

Oxalis corniculata appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Unani, Western phytotherapy, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Oxalis corniculata?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Oxalis corniculata; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Oxalis corniculata showed antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzymatic inhibition potentials in vitro.

How strong is the evidence for Oxalis corniculata?

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

Is Oxalis corniculata safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Oxalis corniculata interact with medications?

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

Is Oxalis corniculata 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 "Multiscale computational analysis guided discovery of a multitarget antitubercular ligand from Oxalis corniculata Linn.". literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 In-vitro studies of phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzymatic inhibition of Oxalis corniculata whole plant from South Waziristan Tribal District Pakistan. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Oxalis corniculata L. Ethanol Extract Promotes Fracture Healing: Integrated Omics and Experimental Validation. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 From scat to seedling: seasonal variation in seed deposition and emergence by chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in a semi-arid South African savanna. literature abstract metadata