Hypoxis hemerocallidea explained

Hypoxis hemerocallidea, the African star grass or African potato, is a medicinal plant in the Hypoxidaceae family. It is native to southern Africa from South Africa as far north as Mozambique and Zimbabwe.^{[1] [2]} This plant is the best known member of this genus.

Medicinal uses

Hypoxis is promoted as an alternative medicine treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, but research has found no evidence of beneficial effect.^[3] Additionally, one study suggests Hypoxis alters the activity of cytochrome P450, suggesting that it may interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs or supplements, such as antiretroviral drugs.^[4]

External links

• Hypoxis hemerocallidea research University Kwazulu-Natal https://www.ukzn.ac.za/search-site/?q=hypoxis+hemerocallidea
• Hypoxis hemerocallidea South African National Biodiversity Institute http://pza.sanbi.org/hypoxis-hemerocallidea

Notes and References

1. http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=279046 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
2. Gillmer, M. . Symmonds, R. . 1999 . Seed collection and germination: Hypoxis hemerocallidea . Plantlife . 21 . 36 . 37.
3. Keehn . Taylor . Lowe . Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia . Curr. Urol. Rep. . 17 . 7 . 53 . 2016 . 27180172 . 10.1007/s11934-016-0609-z . 25609876 .
4. Mills E, etal . Impact of African herbal medicines on antiretroviral metabolism . AIDS . 19 . 95–97 . 2005 . 10.1097/00002030-200501030-00013 . 15627040 . 1. 10051825 . free .