buffalo shepherdia
Shepherdia argentea
Shepherdia argentea, commonly known as buffaloberry, is a shrub traditionally found in North America, particularly in regions such as the Great Plains and western Canada. While its traditional uses are not well-documented, it has been observed to play a role in altering vegetation and soils following wetland creation, potentially impacting native plant diversity and forage accessibility. Scientific evidence from studies indicates that buffaloberry fruits contain compounds like lycopene and high phenolic concentrations, while root nodules do not show the same microbial diversity as their surrounding soil. Additionally, both Shepherdia argentea and Hippophae rhamnoides seedlings exhibit reduced growth under increasing salinity conditions, with S. argentea showing higher salt tolerance. There is no reported major safety concerns or known drug interactions associated with 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
- Shrubia argentea shrublands increased from 0 to 88 ha following wetland creation, altering vegetation and soils with reduced herbaceous production and native plant diversity.
- The diversity and abundance of Frankia in Shepherdia argentea root nodules did not mirror those in corresponding rhizosphere soils.
- The study found that buffaloberry fruits contain lycopene, methyl apo-6'-lycopenoate, and high phenolic concentrations.
- Shepherdia argentea showed greater tolerance to NaCl stress compared to Hippophae rhamnoides, surviving longer under high salinity conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is buffalo shepherdia?
buffalo shepherdia (Shepherdia argentea) 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 buffalo shepherdia?
4 sourced findings are recorded for buffalo shepherdia; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Shrubia argentea shrublands increased from 0 to 88 ha following wetland creation, altering vegetation and soils with reduced herbaceous production and native plant diversity.
How strong is the evidence for buffalo shepherdia?
The strongest finding for buffalo shepherdia carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is buffalo shepherdia safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for buffalo shepherdia in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does buffalo shepherdia interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for buffalo shepherdia in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of buffalo shepherdia?
buffalo shepherdia is also known as: Шефердия серебристая, shépherdie argentée.
Is buffalo shepherdia 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 [Effects of NaCl stress on Hippophae rhamnoides and Shepherdia argentea seedlings growth and photosynthetic characteristics]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Variation in lycopene and lycopenoates, antioxidant capacity, and fruit quality of buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea [Pursh]Nutt.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Frankia Diversity in Host Plant Root Nodules Is Independent of Abundance or Relative Diversity of Frankia Populations in Corresponding Rhizosphere Soils. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Shrub Encroachment Following Wetland Creation in Mixedgrass Prairie Alters Grassland Vegetation and Soil. literature abstract metadata