Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Ceanothus americanus, commonly known as New Jersey tea, is a shrub traditionally found in oak savannas of North America. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it played an important role in providing nectar for spring sugar availability to Karner blue butterflies. Scientific studies have shown that Ceanothus americanus contains cyclopeptide alkaloids linked to RiPP precursor peptides and new split BURP peptide cyclase gene clusters, which may interact with noncognate metals like Zn(II) and Ag(I), though the specific effects vary depending on assay conditions. The plant's genome includes genes similar to those involved in plant infection by Frankia sp., but no significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded.
- 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
- The study found that noncognate metals like Zn(II) and Ag(I) inhibit Ceanothus americanus BpC activity, with the effect influenced by assay conditions.
- Ceanothus americanus contributed significantly to spring nectar sugar availability in oak savannas.
- The study found that the Frankia sp. NRRL B-16219 genome contains genes similar to those involved in plant infection, including homologous nodA and nodB genes.
- The study links Ceanothus americanus cyclopeptide alkaloids to dedicated RiPP precursor peptides and identifies new, widely distributed split BURP peptide cyclase gene clusters.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jersey Tea?
Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) 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 Jersey Tea?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Jersey Tea; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that noncognate metals like Zn(II) and Ag(I) inhibit Ceanothus americanus BpC activity, with the effect influenced by assay conditions.
How strong is the evidence for Jersey Tea?
The strongest finding for Jersey Tea carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Jersey Tea safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Jersey Tea in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Jersey Tea interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Jersey Tea in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Jersey Tea?
Jersey Tea is also known as: Céanothe d'Amérique.
Is Jersey Tea 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 Permanent draft genome sequence of Frankia sp. NRRL B-16219 reveals the presence of canonical nod genes, which are highly homologous to those detected in Candidatus Frankia Dg1 genome. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Widely Distributed Biosynthetic Cassette Is Responsible for Diverse Plant Side Chain Cross-Linked Cyclopeptides. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nectar in oak savannas: implications for butterfly conservation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 When the wrong metal stops the cycle: Dynamics and specificity in plant copper-dependent peptide cyclases. literature abstract metadata