FolkKB

Cartwheels

Xysmalobium

Xysmalobium, also known as Uzara or X. undulatum, is a plant traditionally used in various African herbal practices but specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests an underutilized potential of this plant for treating diarrhea and spasms, with some studies indicating its efficacy. Research has also shown varying anti-malarial activity from extracts of Uzara, attributed to compounds like betulinic acid and lupeol. Additionally, it may have potential antidepressant effects based on the identification of 186 plants used in South Africa for depression. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded, but further research is needed to confirm these findings comprehensively.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

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

What the science says

  • The study finds an underutilized potential of Uzara (Xysmalobium undulatum) as an anti-diarrheal and spasmolytic remedy. D PMID
  • The study found that extracts from Xysmalobium undulutum and Ziziphus mucronata showed varying anti-malarial activity with betulinic acid and lupeol identified as active compounds. D PMID
  • The study identified 186 plants used in South Africa for depression, with Xysmalobium undulatum among those showing potential antidepressant activity. D PMID
  • The study found that dietary supplements, including Xysmalobium undulatum among others, showed low or very low-quality evidence for treating dysmenorrhoea. A PMID
  • Herbal medicine appears as effective as conventional treatments for managing primary dysmenorrhea but with low to very low certainty evidence due to high heterogeneity and risk of bias. A PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Cartwheels?

Cartwheels (Xysmalobium) 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 Cartwheels?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Cartwheels; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study finds an underutilized potential of Uzara (Xysmalobium undulatum) as an anti-diarrheal and spasmolytic remedy.

How strong is the evidence for Cartwheels?

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

Is Cartwheels safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Cartwheels interact with medications?

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

Is Cartwheels 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 Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Antidepressant Effects of South African Plants: An Appraisal of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Ethnopharmacological and Phytochemical Studies. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Uzara (Xysmalobium undulatum) - An underutilized anti-diarrhoeic and spasmolytic herbal remedy. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Phytochemical evaluation of Ziziphus mucronata and Xysmalobium undulutum towards the discovery and development of anti-malarial drugs. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Efficacy of Plant-Derived Therapies for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. literature abstract metadata