FolkKB

Hog plum

Ximenia americana

Ximenia americana is a plant species utilized extensively within various traditional medicine systems, particularly across regions in Nigeria and Ethiopia. It is traditionally employed as an astringent, laxative, and purgative to address conditions such as diarrhea, colic, fever, rheumatism, edema, and cough, as well as for dental care and bacterial infections. Scientific studies have documented its widespread use for both human and livestock health, noting that its extracts may demonstrate varying degrees of antibacterial activity, though it is not always the most potent agent tested. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diarrhea · dropsy (edema)
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dropsy (edema) traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • laxative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • purgative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • toothache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • venereal traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bacterial infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cathartic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cold traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • colic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cough traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dentifuge traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study documented 52 wild edible plant species, with Ximenia americana identified as the most preferred among local informants for its taste and frequent use. D PMID
  • Ximenia americana was identified as one of 19 common plants across six regions in Nigeria with diverse uses. A PMID
  • The study found that extracts from Ximenia americana, among other plants, showed varying degrees of antibacterial activity against tested bacteria, though its extract was not the most effective. D PMID
  • This study documented 64 medicinal plants, including Ximenia americana, used for livestock health issues in Metema and Quara districts. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Hog plum?

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

What is Hog plum traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Hog plum for: diarrhea, dropsy (edema), rheumatism, fever, laxative, purgative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Hog plum?

Hog plum appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Hog plum?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Hog plum; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study documented 52 wild edible plant species, with Ximenia americana identified as the most preferred among local informants for its taste and frequent use.

How strong is the evidence for Hog plum?

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

Is Hog plum safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Hog plum interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Hog plum?

Hog plum is also known as: Ксимения американская.

Is Hog plum 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 Ethnobotanical uses of plants in Nigeria: an analysis of current research trends and patterns. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Study of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants in Metema and Quara districts, northwestern Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Dabat District, Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 In vitro antibacterial properties of selected medicinal plants used by traditional healers for gastrointestinal disorders in the Heban-Arsi and Kofale districts of Southern Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata