Cuachalalate Mexican (Amphipterygium adstringens): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does cuachalalate work for stomach ulcers?

Cuachalalate contains masticadienonic acid, anacardic acids, terpenes, and tannins that contribute to its gastroprotective effects. The tannins create a protective barrier over ulcerated tissue, while anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce gastric mucosal damage. Anacardic acids have demonstrated antimicrobial properties that may help combat Helicobacter pylori bacteria associated with ulcers. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical research, with most support coming from traditional use and preliminary studies.

Can I take cuachalalate with blood thinners?

Cuachalalate should not be taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. The herb may enhance bleeding effects due to potential interactions with its active compounds. This contraindication is based on theoretical concerns and traditional knowledge rather than clinical trials. If you are on blood-thinning medications, consult your healthcare provider before using cuachalalate or any herbal supplement.

What is the recommended dosage for cuachalalate bark?

The traditional adult dosage for cuachalalate is 2-4 grams of dried bark prepared as a decoction, taken 2-3 times daily. To prepare, simmer the bark in water for 10-15 minutes, then strain before drinking. This dosing is based on traditional Mexican herbal practice, as clinical trials establishing optimal therapeutic doses are lacking. Start with the lower end of the dosage range and adjust based on tolerance. Evidence level C.

Is cuachalalate safe during pregnancy?

Cuachalalate is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. There is insufficient safety data regarding its use in pregnant women, and traditional knowledge suggests potential risks. The herb's active compounds, including anacardic acids and terpenes, may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use cuachalalate. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives for digestive concerns.

What is cuachalalate used for in Mexican traditional medicine?

Cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) is primarily used in Mexican traditional medicine for treating gastric ulcers, gastritis, and various digestive conditions. Folk applications also include kidney problems and cancer support, though these uses lack clinical validation. The bark is valued for its gastroprotective properties and has been used for centuries in Mexico. Evidence level C indicates that while traditional use is well-documented, rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Amphipterygium adstringens is an endemic Mexican tree whose stem bark is used for its anticancer, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:35807718].

Contexte

Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl, commonly known as cuachalalate, is a tree endemic to Mexico [PMID:35807718, PMID:27635116].

Usages traditionnels

Since pre-Hispanic times, the stem bark has been used to heal wounds, counteract microbial infections, and treat skin and oral lesions, gastric ulcers, gastritis, and gastrointestinal cancer [PMID:35807718, PMID:37848078, PMID:35461988, PMID:27635116].

Composés actifs

Main active compounds include terpenes, long-chain phenols [PMID:35807718], anacardic acids (specifically 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid) [PMID:34071241, PMID:26371858], and triterpenoids such as 3alpha-hydroxymasticadienonic acid, beta-sitosterol, and 3-epi-oleanolic acid [PMID:14648392, PMID:17768020].

Mécanisme d'action

Gastroprotection is suggested to involve endogenous nitric oxide [PMID:14648392]. The anacardic acid 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6SA) induces macrophage activation via phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, P38 kinases, and NF-κB [PMID:26371858].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DGastric Ulcers/Gastritis

Methanol extract showed gastroprotective effects (15.7% at 1 mg/kg and 72.5% at 300 mg/kg) in rat models [PMID:16354407]; 3-epi-oleanolic acid demonstrated 88.8% gastroprotection [PMID:14648392].

Preuve DUlcerative Colitis

Alcoholic extract (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced colon inflammation, decreased TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels, and increased SOD and GPx activities in mice [PMID:276351 la16].

Preuve DBacterial Infections (H. pylori)

Anacardic acids mixture exhibited potent dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori (MIC=10 microg/ml) [PMID:17768020].

Preuve DBreast Cancer

6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6SA) reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice and reduced apoptosis of blood cells when co-administered with 5-FU or carboplatin [PMID:34071241].

Preuve DWound Healing

Hydroalcoholic extract was evaluated for wound healing and antimicrobial effects in a rat excision model [PMID:35461988]; a folk remedy containing stem bark was evaluated for treating P. aeruginosa infected burns in mice [PMID:37848078].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6SA) showed minimal or no secondary adverse effects and was not cytotoxic in mouse splenocytes [PMID:34071241, PMID:26371858].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Simultaneous administration of cuachalalate methanol extract (30 or 100 mg/kg) did not modify the anti-inflammatory effect (ED50) of diclofenac sodium in rat paw edema models [PMID:16354407].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant potential for gastroprotective, antimicrobial, and antineoplastic activities, though human clinical trials are lacking.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 35807718 (2022) — Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl (Anacardiaceae): An Endemic Plant with Relevant Pharmacological Properties. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 37848078 (2024) — Efficacy of a Mexican folk remedy containing cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl) for the treatment of burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 35461988 (2022) — Wound healing activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and the main metabolites of Amphipterygium adstringens (cuachalalate) in a rat excision model. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 15330500 (2004) — Principles of the bark of Amphipterygium adstringens (Julianaceae) with anti-inflammatory activity. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
5.PMID: 34071241 (2021)

Cuachalalate Mexican

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cuachalalate Mexican

Carqueja

Spotted Bee Balm

Pineapple Weed

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Cuachalalate Mexican

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cuachalalate Mexican

Plantes associées

Carqueja

Spotted Bee Balm

Pineapple Weed

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales