FolkKB

Devils Tresses

Cassytha

Cassytha is a parasitic plant that has evolved from free-living woody ancestors within the Lauraceae family and retains some photosynthetic ability. Traditionally, no specific uses of Cassytha are recorded in any known traditions. Scientific evidence indicates potential antibacterial, anti-biofilm, analgesic, and diuretic activities, with filiforidine showing significant glucose consumption-promoting effects on HL-7702 cells without cytotoxicity. Additionally, three new aporphine alkaloids were isolated from Cassytha, one of which, 10-demethylcassythine (1), demonstrated significant enhancement of glucose consumption in HepG2 cells at 20 μM concentrations. Safety concerns are currently non-existent, and there is no recorded evidence of drug interactions with Cassytha.

At a glance
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

  • Cassytha filiformis extracts showed antibacterial, anti-biofilm, analgesic, and diuretic activities without toxic effects at 2000 mg/kg. D PMID
  • Filiforidine, an alkaloid from Cassytha filiformis, showed significant glucose consumption-promoting effects on HL-7702 cells without cytotoxicity. D PMID
  • Three new aporphine alkaloids were isolated from Cassytha filiformis, and one of them, 10-demethylcassythine, showed significant enhancement of glucose consumption in HepG2 cells at 20 μM. D PMID
  • Cassytha evolved from free-living woody ancestors within Lauraceae and retains some photosynthetic ability, serving as a model for studying early parasitic evolution. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Devils Tresses?

Devils Tresses (Cassytha) 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 Devils Tresses?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Devils Tresses; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cassytha filiformis extracts showed antibacterial, anti-biofilm, analgesic, and diuretic activities without toxic effects at 2000 mg/kg.

How strong is the evidence for Devils Tresses?

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

Is Devils Tresses safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Devils Tresses interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Devils Tresses?

Devils Tresses is also known as: Cassute.

Is Devils Tresses 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 Three New Aporphine Alkaloids with Glucose Consumption Increase Activity from Cassytha filiformis. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Isolation, Total Synthesis and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Filiforidine from Cassytha filiformis. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Antibiofilm, Diuretic Activities, and Acute Toxicity of Bark Extracts From Three Plants (Khaya senegalensis, Ocimum americanum, and Cassytha filiformis) Collected in Benin. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 From laurels to parasites: the origin, evolution, systematics, and applications of Cassytha (Lauraceae). literature abstract metadata