Torres Strait scrambler
Uvaria rufa
Uvaria rufa is a plant traditionally used in certain regions of Southeast Asia. Although its specific traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, studies have shown promising biological activity from its extracts. Research has identified four new acetogenins and thirteen known ones from Uvaria rufa, which demonstrated varying levels of cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines. Additionally, the ethanol extract of Uvaria rufa fruits exhibited antioxidant and anti-melanogenic effects, inhibiting melanin production and tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. While these findings suggest potential health benefits, the overall biological activity was generally weak to moderate. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Uvaria rufa, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential applications.
- 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
- Several compounds from Uvaria rufa showed weak to moderate antimycobacterial or anti-inflammatory activity, but were inactive against cancer cell lines.
- The study developed a method using LC-MS and molecular networking to identify acetogenins in Uvaria rufa extracts.
- Four new acetogenins and thirteen known ones were isolated from Uvaria rufa, showing varying cytotoxicity against certain human cancer cell lines.
- The ethanol extract of Uvaria rufa fruits showed antioxidant and anti-melanogenic effects, inhibiting melanin production and tyrosinase activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Torres Strait scrambler?
Torres Strait scrambler (Uvaria rufa) 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 Torres Strait scrambler?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Torres Strait scrambler; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Several compounds from Uvaria rufa showed weak to moderate antimycobacterial or anti-inflammatory activity, but were inactive against cancer cell lines.
How strong is the evidence for Torres Strait scrambler?
The strongest finding for Torres Strait scrambler carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Torres Strait scrambler safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Torres Strait scrambler in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Torres Strait scrambler interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Torres Strait scrambler in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Torres Strait scrambler?
Torres Strait scrambler is also known as: Увария красная.
Is Torres Strait scrambler 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 Polyoxygenated cyclohexene derivatives and other constituents of Uvaria rufa stem. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acetogenins from the Stem of Uvaria rufa and Their Cytotoxic Activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Feature-based molecular networking and MS2LDA analysis for the dereplication of adjacent bis-tetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Effect of Uvaria rufa Fruit Extract for Antioxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Activities and Phytochemical Profiling Using LC-MS Analysis. literature abstract metadata