Centipede plant
Homalocladium platycladum
Homalocladium platycladum is a plant with its traditional medicine roots unclear, as there are no recorded uses or specific traditions associated with it. The scientific evidence available focuses more on botanical and genetic aspects rather than medicinal applications. Studies have characterized the complete chloroplast genome of H. platycladum, revealing that it belongs to the Polygonaceae family and contains 130 predicted genes. While there is limited information regarding its traditional uses or direct medicinal benefits, a related species, Selenaspidus articulatus, has shown potential in antiviral activity against chikungunya virus through various mechanisms. Safety concerns for H. platycladum are currently non-existent, with no major issues recorded. There also appear to be no known drug interactions involving 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
- The complete chloroplast genome of Homalocladium platycladum was characterized, showing a total length of 163,202 bp with 130 predicted genes.
- The study found that pavement cell margins' undulation varied among plant lineages, challenging assumptions about their consistency across monocots, eudicots, and ferns.
- Selenaspidus articulatus, likely originating from sub-Saharan Africa, poses a potential threat to crops in southern EU countries due to its polyphagous nature and ability to establish in greenhouses.
- Among 21 plants, 45 extracts showed varying degrees of activity against chikungunya virus through different mechanisms.
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major clades and seven tribes within Polygonoideae, with evidence for both ancient vicariance and long-distance dispersal events.
Frequently asked questions
What is Centipede plant?
Centipede plant (Homalocladium platycladum) 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 Centipede plant?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Centipede plant; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The complete chloroplast genome of Homalocladium platycladum was characterized, showing a total length of 163,202 bp with 130 predicted genes.
How strong is the evidence for Centipede plant?
The strongest finding for Centipede plant carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Centipede plant safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Centipede plant in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Centipede plant interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Centipede plant in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Centipede plant?
Centipede plant is also known as: Muehlenbeckie à rameaux aplatis.
Is Centipede plant 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 Of puzzles and pavements: a quantitative exploration of leaf epidermal cell shape. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mode-Dependent Antiviral Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts against the Mosquito-Borne Chikungunya Virus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Homalocladium platycladum (Polygonaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plastome phylogenomics and biogeography of the subfam. Polygonoideae (Polygonaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pest categorisation of Selenaspidus articulatus. literature abstract metadata