Swietenia macrophylla
Synonyms
No documentation
Vernacular Name
Mahogany, Honduras mahogany, big-leafed mahogany, sky fruit, tunjuk langit.
Description
The wood from the Swietenia macrophylla is commonly used in veneers and for making quality furniture due to its reddish color. However, recently, due to over harvesting use of S. macrophylla it is becoming rarer to be used in furniture. The seeds are infused and then traditionally used for pain and circulation and as a tonic. The seeds possess certain actives that are not found in any other plants across the world. These active include certain flavonoids, saponins as well as vitamins, minerals and proteins.
S. macrophylla is a large, hardwood tree of the Meliaceae family. Ranging in height from 30-40m, S. macrophylla can also grow to 4m in diameter. In some circumstances, the tree can reach 60m in height and 9m in diameter. S. macrophylla has a cylindrical trunk, a buttressed trunk and rough, pleasant smelling bark which flakes off the trunk easily. The leaves are large and broad, paripinnate, glabrous leaves which can grow to 45cm in length. When young, the leaves of S. macrophylla are a light green or even red. Upon maturing, they become dark green and thick. Blooming in the spring, S. macrophylla produces small, white or green flowers which grow to no more than 1cm in width. The inflorescence blooms directly from the stem. S. macrophylla produces large fruit, roughly 40cm in diameter and ranging in color from light grey to dark brown. Inside each of the fruits are up to 70 winged seeds, each roughly 7cm in length.
Origin / Habitat
S. macrophylla originated in Central and South America, specifically Honduras, El Salvador, or Panama. S. macrophylla needs tropic weather to survive, needing softer, dryer soils. I cannot grow in coarse soils such as limestone or granite soils. This plant needs a lot of sun; it will not do well in partial shade.
Chemical Constituents
Tetranortriterpenoids (limonoids) including swietenolide, swietenine, and augustineolide; Bark contains phenylpropanoid-substituted epicatechins, including swietemacrophyllanin.[1],[2],[3]
Plant Part Used
Seed
Medicinal Uses
General
Blood sugar regulation
Antioxidant
Sexual health
Antibacterial/antiprotozoal/antifungal
Cardiovascular health
Most Frequently Reported Uses
Blood sugar regulation
Antioxidant
Dosage
Dosage Range
Seed: 400-800mg, 1-3 times daily.
Most Common Dosage
The dosage is specific to the individual and application and therefore, there is no standard common dosage.
Standardization Dosage
No standardization known.
Pharmacology
Pre-clinical
S. macrophylla seed is traditionally used in improving blood sugar balance. To support these claims, laboratory studies have found that extracts of the seed of mahogany (S. macrophylla) have positive effects on glucose utilization, helping to improve blood sugar balance. In a laboratory study, a compound found in swietenine was found to improve glucose utilization comparable to that of human insulin. [4] Another laboratory study found that swietenine give to diabetic rats had significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity. [5]
Although not used currently as a supplement, S. macrophylla bark is reported in a laboratory study to contain flavonoids including catechins and epicatechins (namely swietemacrophyllanin).[3] Catechins are also found in green tea and are the reported reasoning behind the antioxidant and health benefits of this popular herb.
Clinical
At this time, there is no clinical information regarding S. macrophylla.
Interaction and Depletions
Interaction with other Herbs
No documentation
Interaction with Drugs
Based on pharmacology, use with caution in those taking hypoglycemic medications, including insulin.
Precautions and Contraindications
Side effects
Although there is a scientific research exists for the safe use of mahogany, mahogany seed has been used traditionally for centuries and is reported safe in recommended doses.
Pregnancy
No documentation
Age limitation
No documentation
Adverse reaction
No documentation
Read More
2) Safety
References
- Connolly JD, et al. Swietenolde. Tetrahedron lett. 1965:6:2937-2940
- Solomon KA, et al. Sweietenine. Acta Cryst. 2003:59:1519-1521.
- Falah S, Suzuki T, Katayama T. Chemical constituents from Swietenia macrophylla bark and their antioxidant activity. Pak J Biol Sci. 15 Aug 2008;11(16):2007-2012.
- Maiti A, Dewanjee S, Sahu R. Isolation of hypoglycemic phytoconstituent from Swietenia macrophylla seeds. Phytother Res. 15Apr2009. [Epub ahead of print]
- Dewanjee S, Maiti A, Das AK, Mandal SC, Dey SP. Swietenine: A potential oral hypoglycemic from Swietenia macrophylla seed.Fitoterapia. Jun2009;80(4):249-251
