FolkKB

Rafflesia kerrii

Rafflesia kerrii

Rafflesia kerrii is a rare parasitic plant found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. While its traditional medicinal uses are not documented, it has shown potential in scientific research. Extracts from Rafflesia kerrii have demonstrated antioxidant activity and induced apoptosis in A431 skin cancer cells, indicating possible anti-cancer properties. Additionally, the study identified eight distinct lineages of Diaporthe associated with leaf spot diseases on Fagaceae, including five novel species. The methanol fractionated extract from Rafflesia kerrii flowers exhibited high antioxidant activity due to significant phenolic content and minimal degradation over time. However, there is currently no substantial scientific evidence supporting its use in traditional medicine or clinical applications. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
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 resolved eight distinct lineages of Diaporthe associated with leaf spot diseases on Fagaceae, including five novel species. D PMID
  • The methanol fractionated extract from Rafflesia kerrii flowers showed high antioxidant activity. D PMID
  • The circular mitogenome of L. japonicus spans 384,199 bp and encodes 35 protein-coding genes, with evidence of extensive recombination and organelle-to-organelle DNA transfers. D PMID
  • Rafflesia kerrii extract showed potential for inducing apoptosis in A431 skin cancer cells. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Rafflesia kerrii?

Rafflesia kerrii (Rafflesia kerrii) 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 Rafflesia kerrii?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Rafflesia kerrii; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study resolved eight distinct lineages of Diaporthe associated with leaf spot diseases on Fagaceae, including five novel species.

How strong is the evidence for Rafflesia kerrii?

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

Is Rafflesia kerrii safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Rafflesia kerrii interact with medications?

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

Is Rafflesia kerrii 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 Apoptotic induction of skin cancer cell death by plant extracts. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Antioxidant activity of Rafflesia kerrii flower extract. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Unraveling the mitochondrial genome of the medicinal Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus, Lamiaceae): structural dynamics, organelle-to-nuclear gene transfer, and evolutionary implications. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Unveiling cryptic diversity of Diaporthe associated with leaf spots of Fagaceae in China using an integrative taxonomic approach. literature abstract metadata