FolkKB

African bowstring-hemp

Sansevieria trifasciata

Sansevieria trifasciata is a succulent plant used in various traditional medicine practices. It has been applied to treat fever, baldness, earaches, headaches, itching, malaria, snakebites, and sores, and sometimes serves as a stimulant. Scientific studies suggest potential benefits, such as wound healing through hydrogels and possible nephroprotective effects from its phytochemicals, though more research is needed. Additionally, its leaves may be suitable for capsule shell production. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
fever · baldness
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • baldness traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • earache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • headache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • itch traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • malaria traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • snakebite traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sores traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • stimulant traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Sansevieria trifasciata hydrogels showed substantial reductions in wound size and increased cell proliferation. A PMID
  • Light exposed single-node rhizome explants showed higher shoot regeneration efficiency compared to other types of explants in Sansevieria trifasciata cv. Laurentii. D PMID
  • The review compiles existing literature suggesting Sansevieria trifasciata may have potential nephroprotective effects due to its phytochemical content. D PMID
  • The study found that sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) synthesized from Sansevieria trifasciata leaves meets requirements for use in capsule shell production. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is African bowstring-hemp?

African bowstring-hemp (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is African bowstring-hemp traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record African bowstring-hemp for: fever, baldness, earache, headache, itch, malaria. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use African bowstring-hemp?

African bowstring-hemp appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about African bowstring-hemp?

4 sourced findings are recorded for African bowstring-hemp; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Sansevieria trifasciata hydrogels showed substantial reductions in wound size and increased cell proliferation.

How strong is the evidence for African bowstring-hemp?

The strongest finding for African bowstring-hemp carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is African bowstring-hemp safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does African bowstring-hemp interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of African bowstring-hemp?

African bowstring-hemp is also known as: cансевиерия трёхполосная, chanvre d'Afrique.

Is African bowstring-hemp 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 Revolutionising shift in advanced wound healing therapies: nanoengineered herbal gels. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Synthesis and Characterization of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose from Sansevieria trifasciata as an Alternative Raw Material for Capsule Shell. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Nephroprotective Effect of Sansevieria trifasciata. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Innovative in vitro shoot regeneration in variegated snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata cv. Laurentii) through utilization of light exposed single-node rhizome tissue. literature abstract metadata

More Sansevieria plants