FolkKB

Urena lobata

Urena lobata

Urena lobata is a plant species utilized within various traditional medicinal practices. It is traditionally applied to address conditions such as colic, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, flu, gastritis, hepatitis, sore throat, bladder complaints, burns, headaches, and hangovers, while also serving as an emollient and depurative. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic efficacy remains limited, though studies have noted its capacity for cadmium and lead accumulation and its potential for fiber production. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
colic · diarrhea
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

  • colic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • emollient traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hepatitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sore throat traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bladder complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • burns traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • flu traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • gastritis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hangover traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • headache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inflammation traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study developed an improved droplet-vitrification cryopreservation procedure for Urena lobata hairy roots, achieving high regeneration rates and maintaining imperatorin production. D PMID
  • Urena lobata showed moderate capacity for Cd and Pb accumulation, with translocation factors of 3.69 and 1.03 respectively. D PMID
  • The study successfully produced handsheets using Urena Lobata fiber, showing varying mechanical properties compared to bleached fiber and hardwood pulp. D PMID
  • The study found that Urena lobata had a smaller impact on soil seed bank diversity compared to Hyptis suaveolens, with only five plant species emerging from its seeds. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Urena lobata?

Urena lobata (Urena lobata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Urena lobata traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Urena lobata for: colic, diarrhea, emollient, hepatitis, sore throat, bladder complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Urena lobata?

Urena lobata appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Urena lobata?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Urena lobata; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study developed an improved droplet-vitrification cryopreservation procedure for Urena lobata hairy roots, achieving high regeneration rates and maintaining imperatorin production.

How strong is the evidence for Urena lobata?

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

Is Urena lobata safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Urena lobata interact with medications?

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

Is Urena lobata 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 Soil seed bank dynamics of two invasive alien plants in Nigeria: implications for ecosystem restoration. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Preparation and characterization of handsheet using cellulose based Agri-weed: A sustainable utilization of Urena Lobata fiber. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 An efficient droplet-vitrification cryopreservation procedure for high imperatorin-yielding hairy root clones of Urena lobata. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 [Accumulation and Application Potentials of Dominant Plants on Pb-Zn Mines in Karst Region， Guangxi]. literature abstract metadata