Picria fel-terrae

Picria fel-terrae

Picria fel-terrae, also known as "earth pepper," is a plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It has not been documented to have specific traditional uses outside of its application in Chinese herbal remedies. Scientific evidence suggests potential benefits, with a meta-analysis indicating a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats treated with Poguntano extract; however, the sample size was limited to only two studies. Eleven saponins were isolated from Picria fel-terrae, some showing hepatoprotective effects, and cucurbitacins Cucurbitacin D, Cucurbitacin F, and Cucurbitacin I were identified as potential inhibitors of STAT3 function. Three new cucurbitane-type triterpene saponins were also isolated but no biological activities have been reported for these compounds. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions

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

What the science says

  • Eleven saponins were isolated from Picria fel-terrae, with some showing hepatoprotective effects. D PMID
  • The study identified cucurbitacins Cucurbitacin D, Cucurbitacin F, and Cucurbitacin I from Picria fel-terrae as potential inhibitors of STAT3 function. D PMID
  • A significant reduction in plasma glucose levels was observed in diabetic rats treated with Poguntano extract compared to controls, though only two studies were included. A PMID
  • Three new cucurbitane-type triterpene saponins were isolated from Picria fel-terrae but no biological activities were reported. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Picria fel-terrae?

Picria fel-terrae (Picria fel-terrae) 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 Picria fel-terrae?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Picria fel-terrae; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Eleven saponins were isolated from Picria fel-terrae, with some showing hepatoprotective effects.

How strong is the evidence for Picria fel-terrae?

The strongest finding for Picria fel-terrae carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Picria fel-terrae safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Picria fel-terrae interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Picria fel-terrae?

Picria fel-terrae is also known as: Picria felterrae.

Is Picria fel-terrae 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. T2 Exploring the Potential of Poguntano Extract on Diabetes Management: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Gene signature-guided isolation identifies cucurbitacins as STAT3 inhibitors from Picria fel-terrae Lour. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Eleven undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpene saponins isolated from the whole plant of Picria fel-terrae Lour. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Three new compounds from the whole herb of Picria fel-terrae. literature abstract metadata