Elm

Trema orientale

Trema orientale is a plant traditionally found in East Asia, particularly in China. While it has been used in local traditions for various purposes, specific traditional uses have not been extensively documented. Scientific studies indicate that Trema orientale contains proteinase inhibitors and other compounds that show differential expression under stress conditions such as salt, cold, and drought, which may be relevant to its potential domestication and adaptation. However, the evidence for direct health benefits is currently inconclusive. MaZIP4, a gene found in related species like mulberry, influences copper stress tolerance but its specific role in Trema orientale remains unclear. The plant's expanded gene families associated with disease resistance, such as those identified in Ulmus parvifolia, suggest potential adaptive traits that could be beneficial for future research and breeding programs. No significant safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded to date.

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 compiled data on Trema orientale's traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and domestication potential but did not find conclusive health effects. D PMID
  • MaZIP4 appears to influence copper stress tolerance in mulberry, though its exact function remains unclear. D PMID
  • The study identified expanded gene families associated with disease resistance in Ulmus parvifolia, potentially explaining its enhanced resistance to Dutch elm disease. D PMID
  • The study identified a proteinase inhibitor (gpi) from Trema orientale that showed differential expression under salt, cold, and drought stresses in Gossypium arboreum. D EPMC
  • The study identifies gene superfamilies with additional independent whole genome duplications that may have played crucial roles in the evolution of root nodule symbiosis, despite the long interval after the gamma event. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Elm?

Elm (Trema orientale) 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 Elm?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Elm; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study compiled data on Trema orientale's traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and domestication potential but did not find conclusive health effects.

How strong is the evidence for Elm?

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

Is Elm safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Elm interact with medications?

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

Is Elm 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 Identification, characterization and expression profiling of salt-stress responsive proteinase inhibitor in Gossypium arboreum L. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Functional Characterization of MaZIP4, a Gene Regulating Copper Stress Tolerance in Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea R.). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Trema orientale (L.) Blume: A review of its taxonomy, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and domestication potential. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Chromosome-level genome assembly of Ulmus parvifolia identifies genomic signatures and transcriptional profiling underlying Dutch elm disease resistance. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Impacts of gene duplication in the evolution of symbiotic root nodule symbiosis in legumes. literature abstract metadata