Lizard's Tail
Saururus cernuus
Saururus cernuus, commonly known as lizard's tail, is a plant traditionally used in folk medicine but lacks specific documented traditional uses. Scientific research has shown promising results with some of its compounds demonstrating schistosomicidal activity against *Schistosoma mansoni*, indicating potential for treating parasitic infections. Additionally, neolignans from Saururus cernuus have exhibited anti-Leishmania activity and showed varying cytotoxic effects on prostate cancer cells, though the evidence is still preliminary and more research is needed to confirm these findings. The plant appears resilient to geographic gradients, suggesting it may be adaptable to future climate changes. Safety concerns are currently minimal with no major issues recorded, and there have been no reported drug interactions as of now.
- 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
- Saururus cernuus neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin showed significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity against S. mansoni with low cytotoxicity.
- Saururus cernuus was present throughout the studied geographic gradients, suggesting it may be resilient to future climate changes.
- Two related tetrahydrofuran dineolignans from Saururus cernuus showed anti-Leishmania activity with reduced cytotoxicity.
- Five neolignans from Saururus cernuus showed varying cytotoxic effects on prostate cancer cells, with compounds 4 and 5 being the most promising.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lizard's Tail?
Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus) 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 Lizard's Tail?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Lizard's Tail; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Saururus cernuus neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin showed significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity against S. mansoni with low cytotoxicity.
How strong is the evidence for Lizard's Tail?
The strongest finding for Lizard's Tail carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Lizard's Tail safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Lizard's Tail in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Lizard's Tail interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Lizard's Tail in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Lizard's Tail?
Lizard's Tail is also known as: Saururus penché, Saurure penchée, Lézardelle penchée, Queue-de-lézard.
Is Lizard's Tail 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 Antileishmanial activity and ultrastructural changes of related tetrahydrofuran dineolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Germination potential of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) swamp soil seed bank along geographical gradients. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cytotoxic effects of neolignans from Saururus cernuus (Saururaceae) against prostate cancer cells. literature abstract metadata