Empetrum nigrum

Empetrum nigrum

Empetrum nigrum, commonly known as crowberry, is a plant traditionally found in alpine and subarctic regions. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has shown promise in certain ecological and agricultural contexts. In Norway, Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum has demonstrated effectiveness in re-establishing populations on alpine spoil heap sites through intraspecific facilitation. Additionally, the species is beneficial for Norwegian reindeer husbandry, with studies indicating that controlling crowberry can be more cost-effective and sustainable than supplementary feeding. Scientific evidence also suggests that compounds from Empetrum nigrum, such as 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone and 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybibenzyl, may have potential in inhibiting ferroptosis and reducing cell viability in certain cancer cells. However, the broader scientific community has not yet extensively validated these findings for medicinal use. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Empetrum nigrum to date.

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

  • The study found that 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone induces ferroptosis through ERO1A/GPX4 regulation,抑制胆管癌细胞的恶性进展。 D PMID
  • Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum showed evidence of population re-establishment within a decade, with clustering indicating intraspecific facilitation aiding in its successful re-establishment at alpine spoil heaps. D PMID
  • Crowberry encroachment negatively impacts pasture quality and reindeer herd size, with controlling crowberry found to be more cost-effective than supplementary feeding. D PMID
  • 3,3'-Dihydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybibenzyl significantly reduced MOLT-3 cell viability and platelet count, involving p38 MAP kinase pathway. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Empetrum nigrum?

Empetrum nigrum (Empetrum nigrum) 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 Empetrum nigrum?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Empetrum nigrum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone induces ferroptosis through ERO1A/GPX4 regulation,抑制胆管癌细胞的恶性进展。

How strong is the evidence for Empetrum nigrum?

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

Is Empetrum nigrum safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Empetrum nigrum interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Empetrum nigrum?

Empetrum nigrum is also known as: Водяника чёрная, Camarine noire.

Is Empetrum nigrum 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 Controlling the stock or the habitat - The crisis of native invasive encroachment in the grazing land of Norwegian reindeer husbandry. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Population re-establishment and spatial dynamics of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum), a foundation species in restored alpine ecosystems. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Death of Leukemia Cells and Platelets Induced by 3,3'-Dihydroxy-4,5-Dimethoxybibenzyl Is Mediated by p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone induces ferroptosis through ERO1A/GPX4 regulatory axis in cholangiocarcinoma. literature abstract metadata