Maclura pomifera (Maclura pomifera): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Maclura pomifera work as an antifungal agent?

Maclura pomifera contains bioactive isoflavonoids, including osajin and pomiferin, which demonstrate antifungal activity in laboratory studies. These compounds appear to disrupt fungal cell membranes and inhibit growth of various fungal pathogens. The heartwood extracts have shown the most promising antifungal activity in vitro. However, human clinical trials are lacking, and current evidence remains at Level C (preliminary research only), meaning mechanisms are not fully understood or validated in humans.

Does Osage orange interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Maclura pomifera in the scientific literature. However, this reflects a lack of clinical research rather than proven safety. The isoflavonoid compounds present could theoretically affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Given the limited evidence base (Level C), individuals taking prescription medications should exercise caution and consult a qualified healthcare provider before using Maclura pomifera preparations.

What is the recommended dosage for Maclura pomifera?

No standardized dosage for Maclura pomifera has been established in clinical research. Traditional preparations vary considerably, and most commercial products are designed for external use as insect repellents rather than internal consumption. The fruit is not considered edible raw and may cause adverse effects if ingested. Due to insufficient evidence (Level C) and safety concerns, internal use cannot be recommended without professional guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Is Maclura pomifera safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Maclura pomifera is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The fruit contains compounds that may cause adverse effects, though specific reproductive toxicity studies are lacking. Traditional use has been primarily external, but internal consumption should be strictly avoided during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or attempting to conceive should not use Maclura pomifera in any form without explicit approval from a qualified healthcare provider.

What is Osage orange used for medicinally?

Maclura pomifera, commonly called Osage orange, has been used traditionally as an insect repellent, with the fruit placed in homes to deter spiders and insects. Folk medicine applications include anti-inflammatory preparations and general tonics derived from bark and root. The heartwood has been studied for antifungal properties. However, these uses are based on traditional knowledge and preliminary research (Level C evidence), with limited clinical validation in human subjects.

What are the side effects of handling Maclura pomifera fruit?

The most common side effect of Maclura pomifera fruit is contact dermatitis, caused by the milky latex present in the fruit skin. Some individuals experience skin irritation, redness, or itching after handling the fruit. The fruit is not edible raw and can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed. Those with sensitive skin or known latex allergies should avoid direct contact with the fruit. External preparations should be patch-tested first to assess individual sensitivity.

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

Maclura pomifera, commonly known as Osage orange, is a tree producing fruits rich in prenylated isoflavonoids with demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [PMID:38971332, PMID:33049077].

Contexte

Maclura pomifera is a widespread species of tree native to the central and south-central USA [PMID:28698111, PMID:38791297]. It produces large, inedible yellow fruits containing an acid milky juice [PMID:38971332].

Composés actifs

The plant contains prenylated isoflavonoids, most notably pomiferin and osajin [PMID:38971332, PMID:14558760]. Other identified compounds include auriculasin, scandenone, terpenoids, flavonoids, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 19alpha-H-lupeol [PMID:38971332, PMID:33049077, PMID:1133680, PMID:28025893]. The seeds contain a specific agglutinin (lectin) and a Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (MpBBI) [PMID:588553, PMID:27778107].

Mécanisme d'action

Extracts from spring branch tissues and leaves induce apoptosis in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells by triggering intracellular calcium overload via activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel [PMID:38791297]. Pomiferin acts as a potent antioxidant and stimulates extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, elastin, and fibrillin [PMID:14558760, PMID:24513505].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DSkin Health/Aging

Fruit extracts are safe for topical administration and exhibit antioxidant activity [PMID:37154676]. Pomiferin stimulates collagen and elastin expression in human dermal fibroblasts and hair follicle assays [PMID:24513505].

Preuve DBacterial Infections

Leaf extracts demonstrate antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes [PMID:33049077], as well as E. coli and S. aureus [PMID:40872286].

Preuve DViral Infection (hRSV)

Aqueous leaf extracts inhibit human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) infectivity (EC50 = 3.85 mg/mL) [PMID:40872286].

Preuve DBreast Cancer (In Vitro)

Male and female extracts of spring branch tissues and leaves significantly reduced the viability of MCF-7 and T47D cells by 75-80% [PMID:38791297].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro, ex vivo, and preliminary in vivo animal/skin tests (Level D). There are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 38971332 (2024) — Pharmacological properties of extracts and prenylated isoflavonoids from the fruits of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K.Schneid.). · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 33049077 (2021) — Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) leaf extracts. · Archiv der Pharmazie
3.PMID: 37154676 (2024) — Osage orange (Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid) fruit extracts: UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis, antioxidant activity and in vivo skin tests. · Natural product research
4.PMID: 26189408 (2015) — Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera L.) Seed Oil Poly(α-hydroxydibutylamine) Triglycerides: Synthesis and Characterization. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
5.PMID: 17157841 (2006) — Phenylpropanoid glycosyltransferases from osage orange (Maclura pomifera) fruit.

Maclura pomifera

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Maclura pomifera

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Ochna integerrima

Tanacetum annuum

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Maclura pomifera

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Maclura pomifera

Plantes associées

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Ochna integerrima

Tanacetum annuum

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales