Polecatweed
Symplocarpus foetidus
Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, is a plant native to North America. Traditionally, there are no recorded uses of this plant in any medicinal practices. Scientific studies have shown that its leaves exhibit hydrophobic properties similar to rose petals but are not superhydrophobic. Research also indicates reduced genetic diversity in skunk cabbage populations from glaciated regions compared to unglaciated ones. The essential oils from the leaves and stems contain various compounds, with differences noted between hydrodistillation and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation methods. In terms of eastern skunk cabbage flowers, a wide range of volatile compounds were identified, revealing two distinct chemotypes without clear associations with sexual stage or population. No major safety issues have been recorded for this plant, nor are there any known drug interactions.
- 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 found that skunk cabbage leaves are hydrophobic, not superhydrophobic, and have high contact angle hysteresis, similar to the rose petal effect.
- The study found reduced genetic diversity in skunk cabbage populations from glaciated regions compared to unglaciated ones.
- The essential oils from Symplocarpus foetidus leaves and stems contained various compounds, with differing major components between hydrodistillation and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation methods.
- The study identified a wide range of volatile compounds in eastern skunk cabbage flowers, revealing two distinct chemotypes without clear association with sexual stage or population.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polecatweed?
Polecatweed (Symplocarpus foetidus) 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 Polecatweed?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Polecatweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that skunk cabbage leaves are hydrophobic, not superhydrophobic, and have high contact angle hysteresis, similar to the rose petal effect.
How strong is the evidence for Polecatweed?
The strongest finding for Polecatweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Polecatweed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Polecatweed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Polecatweed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Polecatweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Polecatweed?
Polecatweed is also known as: Связноплодник вонючий, chou puant.
Is Polecatweed 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
- T2 Surface micro/nanotopography, wetting properties and the potential for biomimetic icephobicity of skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical Composition and Aroma Evaluation of Essential Oils from Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phylogeography and Ecological Niche Modeling Reveal Reduced Genetic Diversity and Colonization Patterns of Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus; Araceae) From Glacial Refugia in Eastern North America. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Floral scent of eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus: Araceae). literature abstract metadata