Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Hypoxis hemerocallidea
- Hypoxis rooperi
Common Names
- African Potato
- Star Flower
- Yellow Star
- Star Lily
- Magic Muthi
Parts Usually Used
The tuberous rootstock (corm) is the main part used medicinally. The corm is covered with bristly hairs and is bright yellow when freshly cut.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A tuberous perennial with strap-like leaves up to 400mm long arranged in 3 ranks. The leaves are broad, stiff and arching with prominent ribs. Flowers are bright yellow and star-shaped with 6 tepals, carried on 5-6 slender erect stems. The flowers are short-lived and close at midday. The large dark brown tuber contains bright yellow flesh when cut and has a bitter taste.
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Where Found
Native to Southern Africa, growing primarily in South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, extending into East Africa. Found in open grasslands and woodlands in the eastern summer rainfall regions.
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Medicinal Properties
Studies have shown immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, uterolytic, antimotility, spasmolytic and anticholinergic properties. The plant contains hypoxoside which is converted to rooperol, a potent antioxidant, in the gut.
The corm contains sterols, sterol glycosides, stanols, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and reducing sugars that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
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Uses
Traditional and therapeutic applications include:
- Enhancing immune system function, particularly in HIV/AIDS
- Treatment of cancers and tumors
- Management of diabetes
- Treatment of urinary tract infections
- Management of prostate problems
- Treatment of wounds and burns
- Treatment of anxiety and depression
- Management of rheumatoid arthritis
- Treatment of intestinal parasites
- Treatment of tuberculosis
Formulas or Dosages
Traditional preparation involves cutting the corm into cubes or shredding and boiling in water for 20 minutes before consuming the decoction. A therapeutic oral dose of 15 mg/kg/day is recommended. Standardized capsules typically contain 300-350 mg taken 1-2 times daily.
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How Sold
Available as capsules, tonics, creams, tinctures, powders, soaps, oils and other formulations containing 300-500 mg of extract or sterol/sterolins.
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Warning
Common side effects include nausea and vomiting which typically subside over time. Can interfere with cytochrome P450 metabolism and may interact with antiretroviral medications. Safety not established in children, pregnant or nursing women. Raw products may be toxic and should be used with caution.
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Resource Links
African Medicinal Plants Advancing Cancer Treatment and Management Strategies
South African National Biodiversity Institute – Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.
Wikipedia – Hypoxis hemerocallidea
