Botanical

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a deciduous tree native to North America, known for its large, edible fruit that has a custard-like texture and flavor reminiscent of banana and mango. Research has identified various bioactive compounds in pawpaw, including acetogenins, which exhibit potential anticancer and antimicrobial properties. The fruit and leaves have been studied for their nutritional value and possible health benefits, although further research is needed to fully understand their efficacy.

1

STUDY

13

STUDIED WITH

9

CONDITIONS

2

TRADITIONS

Studies about Pawpaw in Akasha →

How it's used

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

fruit · 95% ethanol extractbacterial infection
fruit · eaten freshnutrition · general health
fruit · crude extractcancer · tumor suppression · aging

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.

fruit · 95% ethanol extract — Shows sensitivity against Corynebacterium xerosis and Clostridium perfringens.

fruit · eaten fresh — Locals consider the fruit nutritious and eat it regularly.

fruit · crude extract — Inhibits HIF-1 transcription factor, suppresses VEGF and GLUT1. Phenolic compounds show antioxidant activity with anti-aging potential.

Read the source study →

Studies about Pawpaw

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.

Read summary →Full text available