miracle fruit
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thaumatococcus daniellii is a tropical plant species with various applications in food science and ecology. There are no recorded traditional medicinal uses for this plant in existing literature. Scientific studies have observed distinct microbial community profiles associated with its leaves when used as food wrapping material. Research also indicates that ethanol extracts of the leaves may possess corrosion inhibitive potential. While methods exist to quantify the protein thaumatin within the plant, data regarding therapeutic efficacy remains limited. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.
- Traditionally for
- laxative · emetic
- 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
- laxative
- emetic
- pulmonary problems
- antidote
- sedative
- insanity
What the science says
- Distinct microbial community profiles were observed across different food wrapping leaf types, including Thaumatococcus daniellii.
- Ethanol extracts of Sweet Prayer leaves showed better corrosion inhibitive potential than n-hexane extracts.
- The study found that incorporating Newbouldia laevis and Icacina trichantha leaves into fermented melon condiment enhanced its nutrient content and antioxidant activities.
- The HPLC-UVD method showed good linearity, precision, and accuracy for quantifying thaumatin in foods, meeting international guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
What is miracle fruit?
miracle fruit (Thaumatococcus daniellii) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is miracle fruit traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record miracle fruit for: laxative, emetic, pulmonary problems, antidote, sedative, insanity. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use miracle fruit?
miracle fruit appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about miracle fruit?
4 sourced findings are recorded for miracle fruit; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Distinct microbial community profiles were observed across different food wrapping leaf types, including Thaumatococcus daniellii.
How strong is the evidence for miracle fruit?
The strongest finding for miracle fruit carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is miracle fruit safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for miracle fruit in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does miracle fruit interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for miracle fruit in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of miracle fruit?
miracle fruit is also known as: Katemfe.
Is miracle fruit 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 Optimization, validation, and measurement uncertainty of HPLC-UVD method for quantification of thaumatin in food. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Enhancing the Nutritional and Microbiological Properties of Fermented Melon Condiment (Ogiri) Using Newbouldia laevis and Icacina trichantha Leaves. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Extracts of sweet prayer leaf as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in acidic medium: effects of extractants' properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Diversity and functional potential of bacterial and fungal endophytes in traditional food wrapping leaves reveal implications for artisanal food safety and quality. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Thaumatococcus daniellii CC BY-SA 4.0