Gmelina Arborea (Gmelina arborea): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Gmelina arborea work in the body?

Gmelina arborea exerts its effects primarily through active compounds like iridoid glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids such as gmelofuran. These constituents demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities by scavenging free radicals and potentially inhibiting inflammatory mediators. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed to balance Vata and Pitta doshas. While the exact molecular mechanism requires further human study, preliminary pharmacological evidence (Level C) supports its traditional use for reducing inflammation and fever.

Does Gmelina arborea interact with prescription medications?

There are currently no well-documented clinical drug interactions for Gmelina arborea. However, due to its diuretic properties, it may theoretically potentiate the effects of pharmaceutical diuretics, increasing the risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Because it affects liver metabolism, it could also alter the breakdown of certain drugs. Patients taking anticoagulants or antidiabetic medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence regarding interactions remains theoretical (Level D).

What is the recommended daily dosage for Gmelina arborea?

The standard adult dosage for Gmelina arborea is 3 to 6 grams of root powder or decoction daily. This range is derived from traditional Ayurvedic texts and pharmacopoeial standards. For decoctions, the root is typically boiled in water and consumed. Users should start with a lower dose to assess tolerance, as individual sensitivity varies. Always adhere to product label instructions or consult a medical herbalist for personalized dosing guidance.

Is Gmelina arborea safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Gmelina arborea is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Ayurvedic contraindications explicitly advise against its use by pregnant women, as it may stimulate uterine contractions or cause adverse fetal effects. Safety data for breastfeeding women is also insufficient. Consequently, pregnancy is a strict contraindication. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should avoid this herb and seek alternative treatments approved by their healthcare provider.

What are the benefits of Gmelina arborea for liver disorders?

Gmelina arborea is traditionally used as a hepatoprotective agent in Ayurveda. Research suggests that flavonoids and glycosides in the root may help protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage and reduce oxidative stress. While animal studies show promise for managing liver disorders, high-quality human clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, evidence is rated Level C. It should not replace conventional liver treatments but may serve as a supportive therapy under professional supervision.

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

Gmelina arborea, also known as white teak or gamhar, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to Asia used for both industrial timber and traditional medicine [PMID:33217516, PMID:34215181, PMID:40573876].

Contexte

Gmelina arborea Roxb. is a member of the Lamiaceae (or Verbenaceae) family, naturally distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of South East Asia and cultivated in other regions such as Mexico [PMID:33217516, PMID:40573876].

Usages traditionnels

In Indian Systems of Medicine, the whole plant is used as an astringent, bitter, digestive, cardiotonic, diuretic, laxative, and pulmonary and nervine tonic [PMID:33217516]. Specific uses include treating fever, thirst, emaciation, heart diseases, nervous disorders, piles, leprosy, skin diseases, and snake-bites [PMID:33217516, PMID:20738213].

Composés actifs

Identified compounds include prenylated coumarins (such as N-methylflindersine and artanin) [PMID:37279871], iridoid glycosides (including 6-O-(3''-O-benzoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol) [PMID:18684476], and hesperetin-3',5,7-tri-glucuronide [PMID:41772374]. Phytochemical screening has also indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and cyanogenic glycosides [PMID:22459477].

Mécanisme d'action

The herb may promote neurite outgrowth in NGF-mediated PC12 cells [PMID:37279871] and upregulate $\beta$-cell regeneration in the pancreas [PMID:26881248]. It has also demonstrated the ability to inhibit ulcer formation by modulating antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) [PMID:27449207].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DDiabetes Mellitus

Aqueous bark extract (1.00 g/kg) in STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and increased serum insulin (57%) and C-peptide (39%) concentrations [PMID:26881248].

Preuve DLearning and Memory

Higher doses (1000 mg/kg) showed statistically significant activity in elevated plus maze, Morris water maze, and step-down passive avoidance tests in albino Wistar rats [PMID:31194680].

Preuve DGastric Ulcers

Methanolic stem bark extract at 500 mg/kg offered 91.98% inhibition of ethanol-induced ulcer formation in Wistar rats [PMID:27449207].

Preuve DInflammation and Pain

Aqueous and methanol extracts of stem bark (500 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan-induced plantar inflammation in rats by 30.15% and 31.21% respectively [PMID:24250144].

Preuve DBreast Cancer

n-hexane extract from leaves showed potential as an inhibitor, with hesperetin-3',5,7-tri-glucuronide demonstrating strong binding affinity to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in simulations [PMID:41772374].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In a rodent micronucleus assay, aqueous extract of G. arborea significantly increased the percentage of micronucleated polychromatics at doses of 286 mg/kg and 667 mg/kg, suggesting genotoxic potential in bone marrow cells [PMID:22247828]. However, other toxicological studies on aqueous stem bark extract (up to 5000 mg/kg acute and 2000 mg/kg repeated dose) were conducted to evaluate safety [PMID:20738213].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one review (Level C) summarizing traditional uses. No human clinical trials were provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34215181 (2021) — De novo transcriptome analysis of white teak (Gmelina arborea Roxb) wood reveals critical genes involved in xylem development and secondary metabolism. · BMC genomics
2.PMID: 37279871 (2023) — Prenylated-coumarins from Gmelina arborea and evaluation for neurotrophic activity. · Phytochemistry
3.PMID: 38413650 (2024) — Carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) based agroforestry system for zero carbon emission of India. · Scientific reports
4.PMID: 33217516 (2021) — Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber species of India with high medicinal value: A review on its pharmacology, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 31194680 (2019) — Effect of Gmelina arborea on learning and memory in amnesia-induced and non-amnesia groups of albino Wistar rats.

Gmelina Arborea

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Gmelina Arborea

Ichnocarpus Frutescens

Launaea Taraxacifolia

Pterocarpus santalinus

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Gmelina Arborea

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Gmelina Arborea

Plantes associées

Ichnocarpus Frutescens

Launaea Taraxacifolia

Pterocarpus santalinus

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales