PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Cordyline fruticosa, known as the Ti plant, is an ornamental plant with documented antimicrobial properties and a history of medicinal and nutritional importance in Polynesia [PMID:21636452, 40901441].
Background
Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. is an ornamental plant found in various regions, including Hawaii and Vietnam [PMID:23881274, 34624728]. It has been used as a proxy for reconstructing human colonization patterns in Oceania due to its material, nutritional, medicinal, and religious importance [PMID:21636452].
Traditional uses
The plant has been utilized by Polynesian settlers for medicinal, nutritional, and religious purposes [PMID:21636452].
Active compounds
Phytochemical screening of leaf extracts has identified phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and alkaloids [PMID:40901441]. Specific compounds isolated include steroidal glycosides from roots and aerial parts [PMID:34624728], as well as steroidal saponins such as fruticogenin A, fruticoside K, fruticoside L, and fruticoside M [PMID:30910736, 36239493].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DCariogenic microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans)
Leaf extracts demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal efficacy against these microorganisms [PMID:40901441]
Evidence DPathogenic bacteria (including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. faecalis)
Silver nanoparticles synthesized using C. fruticosa leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent exhibited effective antibacterial activities [PMID:35745988]
Evidence DCancer cell lines (Melanoma A375, Breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231, Colon carcinoma HCT116)
Steroidal saponins fruticoside K and M exhibited weak cytotoxicity [PMID:30910736]
Evidence summary
The current evidence is limited to in vitro laboratory studies (Level D) focusing on phytochemical characterization and antimicrobial/cytotoxic activities; there are no human clinical trials provided.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 23881274 (2013) — Differentiation and distribution of cordyline viruses 1-4 in Hawaiian ti plants (Cordyline fruticosa L.). · Viruses
- 2.PMID: 34624728 (2021) — Steroidal glycosides from the Vietnamese cultivar Cordyline fruticosa "Fairchild red". · Phytochemistry
- 3.PMID: 35745988 (2022) — Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cordyline fruticosa L. Leave Extract Endowing Silk Fibroin Modified Viscose Fabric with Durable Antibacterial Property. · Polymers
- 4.PMID: 40901441 (2025) — Identification of bioactive compounds in Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. leaf extract and its antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms. · Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research
- 5.PMID: 21636452 (2007) — Population structure of Pacific Cordyline fruticosa (Laxmanniaceae) with implications for human settlement of Polynesia.