Brazilian Cherry
Hymenaea courbaril
Hymenaea courbaril, commonly known as Brazil mahogany or caoba, is a traditional medicine plant native to Central and South America. While its use in traditional practices has not been extensively documented, it has shown promise in various bioactivities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. A standardized liquid extract of the stem bark was found to be non-toxic and effective against a MRSA isolate, indicating potential antimicrobial properties. Additionally, Hymenaea courbaril demonstrated low plasticity under varying light conditions, showing minimal changes in resource allocation compared to other tree species studied. Scientific evidence is limited, but initial findings suggest it may have beneficial effects without significant toxicity or known drug interactions. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions are currently noted for this plant.
- 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 found that a standardized liquid extract of Hymenaea courbaril stem bark showed non-toxicity and inhibited bacterial growth of a MRSA isolate.
- Hymenaea courbaril showed low plasticity and minimal changes in resource allocation and photosynthetic rates across varying light conditions.
- The study found that Hymenaea courbaril could be accurately identified using a compact, low-cost mass spectrometer without chromatographic separation.
- Hymenaea courbaril exhibits various bioactivities including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, but more research is needed to validate its traditional uses.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brazilian Cherry?
Brazilian Cherry (Hymenaea courbaril) 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 Brazilian Cherry?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Brazilian Cherry; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that a standardized liquid extract of Hymenaea courbaril stem bark showed non-toxicity and inhibited bacterial growth of a MRSA isolate.
How strong is the evidence for Brazilian Cherry?
The strongest finding for Brazilian Cherry carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Brazilian Cherry safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Brazilian Cherry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Brazilian Cherry interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Brazilian Cherry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Brazilian Cherry?
Brazilian Cherry is also known as: Ятоба, Courbaril.
Is Brazilian Cherry 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
- T2 Plasticity on the spectrum: photosynthetic induction of tropical forest tree species in contrasting light conditions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of Hymenaea courbaril L. stem barks extract. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical and Biological Properties of Hymenaea courbaril L.: A Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Real-Time Wood Chemotyping Using a Low-Cost and Compact Mass Spectrometer. literature abstract metadata