African Star Grass
Scientific names: Hypoxis rooperi
Other common names: African potato
This member of the Hypoxidaceae (Amaryllidaceae) family, a perennial herbaceous plant native of South-East African regions. The part of the plant usually used is made from a dark brown or black tuber, which presents a yellow pulp. Hypoxis roopery is traditionally known as a “miracle plant” because it has been traditionally used for a wide array of human aliments, including cancers, diabetes, infections, nervous disorders, immune-related illnesses, heart weaknesses, and urinary problems
HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN STAR GRASS
Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support
Uses
Hypoxis rooperi—also known as African star grass, African potato, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, or yellow star—belongs to the Hypoxidaceae (Amaryllidaceae) family, a perennial herbaceous plantnative of South-East African regions. The part of the plant usually used is made from a dark brown or black tuber, which presents a yellow pulp. Hypoxis roopery is traditionally known as a “miracle plant” because it has been traditionally used for a wide array of human aliments, including cancers, diabetes, infections, nervous disorders, immune-related illnesses, heart weaknesses, and urinary problems [1]. Botanical formulations based on Hypoxis rooperi became popular as far back as 1967, when R.W. Liegenberg initiated the use of Hypoxis phytosterols, β-sitosterol, and its glucoside products. The product, marketed as Harzol is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy which gained wide acceptance in Germany [2].
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Active Constituents of African Star Grass
Botanical formulations based on Hypoxis rooperi became popular as far back as 1967, when R.W. Liegenberg initiated the use of Hypoxis phytosterols, β-sitosterol, and its glucoside
Mechanism of Action:
The pharmacological effects of Hypoxis could be attributed to sterols. In particular, β-sitosterol is postulated to have antiandrogenic and antiinflammatory properties increasing, in the stromal cells of human prostate, the TGF-β1 expression, and protein kinase C-alpha activity [7,8]. The mechanism of action of this tuber is not well known; from preclinical studies it does not seem to inhibit 5-α-reductase. In vitro, has been shown to have antiinflammatory activity, by inhibiting the cytokine production, COX-1 and COX-2 activity, by reducing the activity of transcription factors, and it might interfere with the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins [3].
Clinical Studies
The most recent systematic review of its efficacy of beta-sitosterols for BPH was undertaken in 1999 by Wilt et colleagues encompassing three different products: Harzol, Azuprostat, and WA184, all of which have different amounts of β-sitosterol. Five hundred and nineteen men from four randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials (lasting 4–26 weeks) were assessed. Three trials used nonglucosidic β-sitosterols and one utilized a preparation that contained 100% B-sitosteryl-B-d-glucoside. Two of the four studies reported an improvement in IPSS score of roughly 35% over placebo. All studies reported an improvement in maximum flow rate of around 45% against placebo but β-sitosterols did not reduce prostate size [4].
Parts Used
Rhizome
Additional Resources
[1] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:148-149
[2] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:150-151
[3] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:152-153
[4] Giuseppe Morgia, Salvatore Privitera, Phytotherapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, 1st Ed. From Research to Bedside, Academic Press 2018:154
Pregnancy and lactation
The safety of African Star Grass has not been established. In view of the lack of toxicity data and the documented hormonal activity, the use of African Star Grass during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
