Devil's Bit
Ruellia tuberosa
Ruellia tuberosa, a plant traditionally used in various folk medicine practices but with no specific documented traditional uses, has shown promising results in scientific research. Studies have indicated that Ruellia tuberosa-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit significant cytotoxicity towards prostate cancer cells while sparing normal cells, potentially via p53 and STAT3 signaling pathways. Additionally, the ethanolic extract of Ruellia tuberosa showed potential memory improvement and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in a rodent model for Alzheimer's disease. The plant also demonstrated moderate levels of chlorophyll and phenolic content in its stems among twenty medicinal weeds investigated. Safety-wise, no major issues have been recorded, and there are currently no known drug interactions associated with Ruellia tuberosa.
- 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
- Ruellia tuberosa-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via p53 and STAT3 signalling pathways.
- Ruellia tuberosa had moderate levels of chlorophyll and flavonoids in its stems among the twenty medicinal weeds studied.
- Ruellia tuberosa ethanolic extract showed potential in improving cognitive functions and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in an Alzheimer's disease model, but more research is needed.
- This study developed Ruellia tuberosa extract-loaded hydrogels with potential anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties.
Frequently asked questions
What is Devil's Bit?
Devil's Bit (Ruellia tuberosa) 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 Devil's Bit?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Devil's Bit; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Ruellia tuberosa-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via p53 and STAT3 signalling pathways.
How strong is the evidence for Devil's Bit?
The strongest finding for Devil's Bit carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Devil's Bit safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Devil's Bit in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Devil's Bit interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Devil's Bit in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Devil's Bit 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 An investigation of the pigments, antioxidants and free radical scavenging potential of twenty medicinal weeds found in the southern part of Bangladesh. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Optimized production of carboxymethyl cellulose/guar gum based durable hydrogel for in vitro performance assessment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pharmacological Characterization of Ruellia tuberosa Ethanolic Extract in a Rodent Model of Cognitive Impairment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ruellia tuberosa leaf extract induces apoptosis through P53 and STAT3 signalling pathways in prostate cancer cells. literature abstract metadata