UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Despite a long history of traditional medicinal use in the United States, the collection, consumption and efficacy of the peculiar forest plant aptly named ghost pipe, scientific name Monotropa uniflora, remains a mystery. Now, with social media and the internet driving a resurgence in the harvest and economic trade of the parasitic species — which appears strangely white because it is devoid of chlorophyl — a research team from Penn State has taken the first step toward documenting its new status.
“This study is the first to scientifically document use of ghost pipe in North America, along with the growing influence of social media and the internet on how and why people are turning to ghost pipe as a medicinal plant,” said team leader and senior author on the study Eric Burkhart, teaching professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “As a wild harvested species, little has been documented about its use throughout the U.S. and any growing conservation needs. This study helps to inform future research and education efforts so that consumer safety and wild conservation efforts can both be appropriately targeted and aligned.”
In findings recently published in Economic Botany, the researchers reported the results of a digital survey they conducted within the United States asking participants whether they have foraged, consumed or prescribed ghost pipe. The results showed that social media and the internet were the primary source of information and learning for respondents. Notably, respondents overwhelmingly reported consuming ghost pipe in tincture form and for pain management. Both findings appear to be recent developments, Burkhart said, as there is limited indication from the historical record that ghost pipe was prepared and used in these ways.