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Barringtonia macrostachya

Barringtonia macrostachya

Barringtonia macrostachya is a plant traditionally used in various Southeast Asian and Pacific Island cultures for treating ringworm, sore eyes, and stomach aches. The plant's traditional applications are primarily found within indigenous medical practices of these regions. Scientific evidence has shown that out of 363 plant extracts tested, including those from Barringtonia macrostachya, 58 demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in the HTS-DPPH assay, though this does not necessarily correlate with its traditional uses. Photosynthetic acclimation studies on shrub seedlings and lianas have indicated limited capacity for adaptation to high light conditions after transferring from low light environments, while CO2 assimilation rates and water-use efficiency were higher in lianas compared to trees during the dry season. The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is recognized as an Important Plant Area due to its diverse flora, including four endemic species. Safety concerns are minimal with no major issues recorded; however, there have been no documented drug interactions associated with this plant.

At a glance
Traditionally for
ringworm · sore eyes
Traditions
Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

What the science says

  • A total of 58 out of 363 plant extracts, including Tetracera scandens leaves, showed potent antioxidant activity in the HTS-DPPH assay. D PMID
  • Shrub seedlings of Barringtonia macrostachya showed limited capacity for photosynthetic acclimation to high light after transfer from low light conditions. D PMID
  • Lianas showed higher CO2 assimilation rates and better water-use efficiency compared to trees, especially during the dry season. D PMID
  • The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge hosts 314 vascular plant species, including four endemic to the site, qualifying it as an Important Plant Area. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Barringtonia macrostachya?

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

What is Barringtonia macrostachya traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Barringtonia macrostachya for: ringworm, sore eyes, stomach aches. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Barringtonia macrostachya?

Barringtonia macrostachya appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Barringtonia macrostachya?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Barringtonia macrostachya; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A total of 58 out of 363 plant extracts, including Tetracera scandens leaves, showed potent antioxidant activity in the HTS-DPPH assay.

How strong is the evidence for Barringtonia macrostachya?

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

Is Barringtonia macrostachya safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Barringtonia macrostachya interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Barringtonia macrostachya?

Barringtonia macrostachya is also known as: Баррингтония крупноколосая.

Is Barringtonia macrostachya 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 Photosynthetic acclimation to light changes in tropical monsoon forest woody species differing in adult stature. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Seasonal differences in leaf-level physiology give lianas a competitive advantage over trees in a tropical seasonal forest. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Checklist of vascular plants of Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, Malaysia, a 14-km long quartz dyke. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Establishment of High-Throughput Screening Assay using 384-Well Plate for Identification of Potent Antioxidants from Malaysian Local Plants Repository and Phytochemical Profile of Tetracera Scandens. literature abstract metadata
  5. T3 Barringtonia macrostachya CC BY-SA 4.0

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