Sutherlandia frutescens
| Sutherlandia frutescens | |
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| File:Sutherlandia frutescens 01.jpg | |
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S. frutescens
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| Binomial name | |
| Sutherlandia frutescens |
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Sutherlandia frutescens (cancer bush,[2] balloon pea, or sutherlandia; syn. Colutea frutescens L., Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning) is a southern African legume which has traditionally been used as an indigenous medicine for a variety of ailments.[3]
It is a shrub with bitter, aromatic leaves. Red-orange flowers appear in spring to mid-summer.[4]
Cultivation
Sutherlandia frutescens is a small bush growing up to about 1m high. It is native to dry parts of southern Africa, preferring full sun but tolerant of a wide variety of soil types. It is a tough plant, hardy, fast growing and drought tolerant but short lived. Seeds germinate readily in around 2 to 3 weeks and established plants self-seed readily. Seedlings may be vulnerable to damping off, but provided it is in well drained soil, it grows readily and is not very vulnerable to pests.[4]
Traditional uses
An infusion made from the leaves is a traditional remedy said to treat fever, chicken pox, flu, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and stomach and liver problems.[3]
Scientific study
Although some animals studies have been conducted on the putative pharmacology of S. frutescens,[3] there is no good evidence relating to its safety and efficacy.[5]
Sutherlandia frutescens has been promoted as useful to people with HIV/AIDS, but there is no evidence of benefit, and it interacts adversely with conventional drugs used, such as antiretroviral drugs.[6][7][8]
References
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External links
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