Chocolate Vine
Akebia quinata
Akebia quinata, commonly known as Chinese grape or five-leaved akebia, is native to East Asia. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used in any specific medical practices. Scientific research indicates potential anticancer effects, with studies showing that Akebia quinata seed extract can induce apoptosis and immunogenic cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Additionally, the female flowers exhibit greater variation in perianth shape compared to male flowers. The seeds contain varying concentrations of eight compounds, some of which, like Aq3639 (a hederagenin glycoside), have shown cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- 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
- Akebia quinata seed extract induced apoptosis and immunogenic cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells, suggesting potential anticancer effects.
- Female flowers of Akebia quinata exhibit greater variation in perianth shape compared to male flowers.
- Aq3639, isolated from Akebia quinata fruits, inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.
- The study developed an UPLC-MS/MS method to analyze eight compounds in Akebia quinata seeds and found high cytotoxicity of dipsacoside B against multiple cancer cell lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chocolate Vine?
Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata) 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 Chocolate Vine?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Chocolate Vine; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Akebia quinata seed extract induced apoptosis and immunogenic cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells, suggesting potential anticancer effects.
How strong is the evidence for Chocolate Vine?
The strongest finding for Chocolate Vine carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chocolate Vine safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chocolate Vine in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chocolate Vine interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chocolate Vine in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chocolate Vine?
Chocolate Vine is also known as: Акебия пятерная, Akebie a cinq feuilles.
Is Chocolate Vine 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 Hederagenin Glycoside Isolated from the Pericarps of Akebia quinata Fruits Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in Breast Cancer Cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Simultaneous Component Analysis of Akebia quinata Seeds (Lardizabalaceae) by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Quality and Cytotoxicity Assessment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Perianth symmetry in sexually differentiated flowers of Akebia quinata (Lardizabalaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Therapeutic Effects of Akebia quinata Seeds Through Apoptosis and Immunogenic Cell Death in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. literature abstract metadata