Botanical

American Pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a perennial herb native to North America, characterized by its tall, leafy stems and clusters of dark purple berries. It has been primarily researched for its potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, with key active compounds including pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) and various alkaloids. Despite its toxic nature, it has garnered interest for its medicinal potential in controlled applications.

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Studies about American Pokeweed in Akasha →

How it's used

Parts and preparations, and the conditions they're used for.

roots · infusionviral infections · cancer
berries · made into jamantiarthritic

These uses are flagged for review — traditional-use claims kept as reported, never as advice.

What the studies found

Findings backed by a source paper, not traditional use alone.

roots · infusion — Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) shows potent antiviral effects and anticancer activity.

berries · made into jam — Locals use the berries boiled or made into jam for their antiarthritic effects.

Read the source study →

Studies about American Pokeweed

1 completed study · newest first

A Review and Survey of Local Eastern Kentucky Medicinal Plants and Their Pharmacological Benefits.

Pratyusha Veldhi et al. (2025) · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

This 2023 ethnobotanical review investigated the medicinal plants native to Pike County, Eastern Kentucky, and their pharmacological benefits. The study combined a local survey with a literature review to validate the medicinal properties of 14 identified plants: Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa), American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Porcelain (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), and Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima). The survey identified various traditional uses for these plants, including nutritional benefits, insect repellent properties, and applications for conditions such as rheumatism, inflammation, and infections. For instance, Pawpaw is traditionally consumed for its nutritional value and has shown potential in modern research for anticancer and antimicrobial activities, with studies indicating its extracts inhibit the HIF-1 transcription factor, which is involved in tumor growth. Beautyberry has been noted for its insect-repelling properties and has demonstrated efficacy against MRSA infections in research settings. Pipsissewa has been traditionally used for rheumatism and has shown antifungal and anticancer properties in scientific studies. Chicory serves as a coffee substitute and has hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effects, while Boneset is recognized for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings highlight the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of the local population and the pharmacological potential of these plants. However, this review is limited by the small sample size of survey participants (n=4) and the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Further research with larger, more diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and explore the therapeutic applications of these plants more comprehensively.

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