FolkKB

Polecatweed

Symplocarpus foetidus

Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, is a perennial herb found in North American wetlands. In various traditional practices, it has been applied to address a wide range of conditions including spasms, swelling, asthma, bleeding, cough, epilepsy, and rheumatism. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic properties remains limited, though studies have characterized its leaf hydrophobicity, genetic diversity, and the complex volatile compounds found in its essential oils and flowers. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
spasms · swelling
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • spasms Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • swelling traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • asthma traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • chest complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cough traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • emetic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • epilepsy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • expectorant Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • headache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hemorrhage traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hysteria traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inhalant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • itch traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE

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. D PMID
  • The study found reduced genetic diversity in skunk cabbage populations from glaciated regions compared to unglaciated ones. D PMID
  • The essential oils from Symplocarpus foetidus leaves and stems contained various compounds, with differing major components between hydrodistillation and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation methods. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID

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 is Polecatweed traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Polecatweed for: spasms, swelling, asthma, bleeding, chest complaints, cough. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Polecatweed?

Polecatweed appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Surface micro/nanotopography, wetting properties and the potential for biomimetic icephobicity of skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Chemical Composition and Aroma Evaluation of Essential Oils from Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). literature abstract metadata
  4. 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
  5. T2 Floral scent of eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus: Araceae). literature abstract metadata