Madagascar ordeal-bean

Cerbera manghas

Cerbera manghas, commonly known as Indian almond or bitter nut tree, is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. While traditionally used in some folk remedies for various ailments, no specific traditional uses have been recorded. Scientific evidence suggests the presence of neriifolin, a cardiac glycoside, which was detected in patient serum after consuming coconut crab, indicating potential poisoning. The study also developed methods for detecting these compounds in human blood and enhancing their separation efficiency, though broader application is limited by the available data. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from Cerbera manghas seeds demonstrated varying toxicity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes but no major safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study developed a method to detect cardiac glycosides from Cerbera odollam in human blood serum and applied it to an actual poisoning case. D PMID
  • The study developed a conversion equation between HPTLC Rf values and Sepbox main column retention times, enhancing separation efficiency for Cerbera manghas leaf extracts. D PMID
  • Neriifolin, a cardiac glycoside found in Cerbera manghas, was detected in the patient's serum after consuming coconut crab, suggesting potential poisoning. D PMID
  • Ethyl acetate and 96% ethanol extracts from Cerbera manghas seeds showed varying toxicity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Madagascar ordeal-bean?

Madagascar ordeal-bean (Cerbera manghas) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Madagascar ordeal-bean?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Madagascar ordeal-bean; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study developed a method to detect cardiac glycosides from Cerbera odollam in human blood serum and applied it to an actual poisoning case.

How strong is the evidence for Madagascar ordeal-bean?

The strongest finding for Madagascar ordeal-bean carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Madagascar ordeal-bean safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Madagascar ordeal-bean in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Madagascar ordeal-bean interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Madagascar ordeal-bean in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Madagascar ordeal-bean?

Madagascar ordeal-bean is also known as: Цербера мангас, Faux manguier.

Is Madagascar ordeal-bean a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 A rapid optimization method for Sepbox system separation using HPTLC: an application of Cerbera manghas L. separation. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Development of an LC-MS/MS detection method for cardiac glycosides (cerberin, neriifolin, and tanghinin) in human blood serum: Application to a Cerbera odollam poisoning case. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Potential of ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of Bintaro (Cerbera manghas L.) seeds as bioinsecticides against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 First case in Japan of neriifolin detection in a patient with coconut crab (Birgus latro) poisoning. literature abstract metadata