FolkKB

Xylopia aethiopica

Xylopia aethiopica

Xylopia aethiopica, commonly known as African cherry or graviola, is a plant traditionally used in various folk medicine practices across West Africa and South America. Its traditional uses are not well-documented in the scientific literature. Scientific studies have shown that higher doses of Xylopia aethiopica can induce minor changes in hematological parameters, specifically reducing platelet levels in rats. The ethyl acetate fraction from its root demonstrated strong cytotoxic activity against HCC-70 cells, while the hexane extract from its fruit showed activity against MCF-7 cells. Additionally, NTD-O2, a compound isolated from Xylopia aethiopica, exhibited selective antionchocercal and moderate antitrypanosomal activities but contained compounds with known toxicological risks. Exopolysaccharide-stabilized emulsions derived from the plant showed enhanced antibacterial activity against certain foodborne pathogens. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified for Xylopia aethiopica, though further research is necessary to fully understand its potential effects and applications.

At a glance
Traditionally for
bilious · boils
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

  • bilious traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • boils traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bronchitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cough traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • emetic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eruption traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • headache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • lumbago traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • neuralgia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • purgative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • respiratory complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sores traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Xylopia aethiopica induced minor changes in hematological parameters, specifically reducing platelet levels, at higher doses in rats. D PMID
  • The ethyl acetate fraction of Xylopia aethiopica root showed strong cytotoxic activity against HCC-70 cells, while the hexane extract of its fruit had activity against MCF-7 cells. D PMID
  • NTD-O2 showed selective antionchocercal activity and moderate antitrypanosomal activity, but contained a compound with known toxicological risks. D PMID
  • This study found that exopolysaccharide-stabilized emulsions from Xylopia aethiopica showed enhanced antibacterial activity against certain foodborne pathogens. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Xylopia aethiopica?

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

What is Xylopia aethiopica traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Xylopia aethiopica for: bilious, boils, bronchitis, carminative, cough, dysentery. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Xylopia aethiopica?

Xylopia aethiopica appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Xylopia aethiopica?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Xylopia aethiopica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Xylopia aethiopica induced minor changes in hematological parameters, specifically reducing platelet levels, at higher doses in rats.

How strong is the evidence for Xylopia aethiopica?

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

Is Xylopia aethiopica safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Xylopia aethiopica interact with medications?

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

Is Xylopia aethiopica 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 Enhanced antibacterial potential of exopolysaccharide-stabilized spice oil emulsions against foodborne pathogens. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Evaluation of NTD-O2, a Ghanaian herbal medicine, for onchocerciasis and animal African trypanosomiasis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Antiproliferative activity of Xylopia aethiopica extracts and molecular docking studies of their main phytochemicals. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Acute (14-Day) and Subchronic (90-Day) Toxicity Evaluation of the Dried Fruit Spice Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) in Male and Female Wistar Rats. literature abstract metadata

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