Fish-fuddle tree

Piscidia piscipula

Piscidia piscipula, commonly known as Jacaranda or Palo de Cura, is a traditional medicinal plant used in various cultures for its analgesic and sedative properties. In traditional medicine practices, it has been employed to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. Scientific evidence suggests that pre-germination treatments can improve seed germination rates, though the effectiveness varies between species. Additionally, studies indicate that supplementation with Piscidia piscipula foliage may increase propionic and butyric acid concentrations while reducing acetic acid production and methanogenic bacteria in ruminants, potentially influencing ruminal fermentation processes. The plant's foliage showed variable effects on methane production across different tropical trees and shrubs, with condensed tannins correlating negatively with methane output. Juvenile goats were observed to select Piscidia piscipula over other forage resources, likely due to its lower secondary compound content. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but caution should be exercised as more research is needed to fully understand its effects and applications.

At a glance
Traditionally for
analgesic · sedative
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

What the science says

  • The study found that the foliage of various tropical trees and shrubs showed variable effects on ruminal fermentation and methane production, with condensed tannins correlating negatively with methane output. D PMID
  • Juvenile goats with browsing experience selected Piscidia piscipula over others, consuming less secondary compounds. D PMID
  • Supplementation with Piscidia piscipula foliage increased propionic and butyric acid concentrations and decreased acetic acid, methane production, and methanogenic bacteria in ruminants. D PMID
  • The study found that pre-germinative treatments improved germination rates in both Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula seeds, with varying effectiveness between species. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Fish-fuddle tree?

Fish-fuddle tree (Piscidia piscipula) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Fish-fuddle tree traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Fish-fuddle tree for: analgesic, sedative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Fish-fuddle tree?

Fish-fuddle tree appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Fish-fuddle tree?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Fish-fuddle tree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that the foliage of various tropical trees and shrubs showed variable effects on ruminal fermentation and methane production, with condensed tannins correlating negatively with methane output.

How strong is the evidence for Fish-fuddle tree?

The strongest finding for Fish-fuddle tree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Fish-fuddle tree safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Fish-fuddle tree interact with medications?

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

Is Fish-fuddle tree 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 Selection of Forage Resources by Juvenile Goats in a Cafeteria Trial: Effect of Browsing Experience, Nutrient and Secondary Compound Content. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Foliage of Tropical Trees and Shrubs and Their Secondary Metabolites Modify In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Methane and Gas Production without a Tight Correlation with the Microbiota. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Pre-Germinative Treatments and Morphophysiological Traits in Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula (Fabaceae) from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Tropical tree foliage supplementation in ruminants improves rumen fermentation and the bacterial profile and decreases methane production. literature abstract metadata
  5. T3 Piscidia piscipula CC BY-SA 4.0