Geum Triflorum
Also known as: Prairie smoke, Old Man's Whiskers, Geum triflorum
Overview
Geum triflorum, commonly known as Prairie smoke or Old Man's Whiskers, is a perennial forb belonging to the Rosaceae (rose) family. Native to North American prairies, savannas, and alvar habitats, it is characterized by its hairy, pinnately compound leaves and distinctive purple to dark red flowers that develop into long, silky, plumose fruits. This plant thrives in environments with variable water availability and significant seasonal climatic shifts, such as cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. While globally secure, its populations are considered threatened or vulnerable in some U.S. states due to habitat disturbance and competition from invasive species. Research on Geum triflorum primarily focuses on its ecological and evolutionary adaptations to environmental variability, rather than its potential as a dietary supplement. There is currently no peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support its use as a supplement or for any therapeutic purposes in humans.
Benefits
There are no high-quality clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses evaluating Geum triflorum for human health benefits or as a dietary supplement. The existing scientific literature is exclusively ecological and botanical, focusing on the plant's adaptation to environmental stressors like water availability and habitat disturbance, as well as its reproductive biology and seed dispersal mechanisms. Consequently, no quantified health effects, clinical outcomes, or pharmacological benefits have been documented or supported by scientific evidence for human consumption.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Geum triflorum in a supplement or pharmacological context is not applicable, as there is no scientific evidence or research indicating its use or effects in humans. Botanical studies describe its ecological adaptations, such as seed dispersal facilitated by its plumose styles and its phenotypic trait differentiation in response to environmental cues. These mechanisms relate to the plant's survival and propagation in its natural habitat, not to any biological interactions or pathways within the human body.
Side effects
There is no available data on the safety profile of Geum triflorum for human consumption, including potential side effects, severity, frequency, or specific risk factors. The plant has not been studied in clinical contexts as a supplement ingredient, and therefore, information regarding drug interactions, contraindications, or safety warnings is entirely absent from peer-reviewed research. Due to the complete lack of human safety data, consumption of Geum triflorum cannot be recommended.
Dosage
Dosing guidelines for Geum triflorum are not applicable due to the complete absence of clinical or supplement use data. There is no scientific basis for recommending any specific dosage ranges, timing considerations, or forms of administration for human consumption. Furthermore, no upper limits or safety thresholds have been established, as the plant has not been evaluated for its effects or safety in humans.
FAQs
Is Geum triflorum used as a dietary supplement?
No, there is no evidence from high-quality clinical research or systematic reviews supporting the use of Geum triflorum as a dietary supplement for human consumption.
Are there known health benefits of Geum triflorum?
No documented health benefits or clinical effects for humans have been reported in the scientific literature. Research on this plant is primarily ecological and botanical.
Is it safe to consume Geum triflorum?
The safety of Geum triflorum in humans is unstudied. Therefore, due to the lack of scientific data, its consumption cannot be recommended.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10902883/ – This study by Kulbaba et al. (2023) involved a large common garden experiment with Geum triflorum to investigate trait variation across different populations. The research focused on ecological adaptation to environmental variability, providing insights into the plant's evolutionary biology rather than its potential health benefits or supplement use.
- https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajb2.16061 – Volk et al. (2022) conducted a common garden experiment quantifying trait differentiation in Geum triflorum across various ecoregions. This research demonstrated the environmental contributions to phenotypic variation, contributing to evolutionary biology but not addressing any supplement or health-related effects in humans.
- https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/abstracts/botany/Geum_triflorum.pdf – This report from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory describes the habitat requirements and threats to Geum triflorum. It is a conservation-focused document that provides ecological information but does not contain any data related to clinical use or supplement applications.
- https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/14732/Geum-triflorum – This source from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory provides a detailed description of Geum triflorum, including its classification, habitat, and conservation status. Similar to other ecological sources, it does not offer any information regarding the plant's use as a supplement or its effects on human health.
