About Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.
Hypoxis hemerocallidea, commonly called African star grass or African potato, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Hypoxidaceae family. It is native to southern Africa, with a range extending from South Africa northward to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This species is the most well-known member of the Hypoxis genus. As an alternative medicine, Hypoxis hemerocallidea is marketed as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, existing research has found no evidence that it provides any beneficial effect for this condition. One study has also found that Hypoxis hemerocallidea alters the activity of the enzyme cytochrome P450. This finding indicates that the plant may interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs or supplements, including antiretroviral drugs.
