African potato

African potato refers to the tuberous rootstock (corm) of the medicinal plant *Hypoxis hemerocallidea* (and related species such as *Hypoxis obtusa*), which is native to Southern Africa. It is widely utilized in traditional African medicine as an immunostimulant, particularly for managing HIV/AIDS, cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and various inflammatory conditions. The primary bioactive component is the norlignan diglucoside **hypoxoside**, which is hydrolyzed by gut bacteria into its aglycone form, **rooperol**, a potent catechol-containing antioxidant. Clinical research has primarily focused on its pharmacological interactions with conventional therapies; for instance, trials have evaluated its effect on the pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs like lopinavir/ritonavir and efavirenz. While in vitro data suggest it may inhibit various Cytochrome P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein, clinical studies have generally found short-term use to be safe without significant drug-drug interactions in HIV patients.

Brand names

African Potato ExtractAPE

Other names

Hypoxis hemerocallideaHypoxis obtusaHypoxis rooperiStar flowerYellow star flowerHypoxosideRooperol