How does Mobola Plum work to treat diarrhea?

Mobola Plum works primarily through its high tannin and flavonoid content, which exert astringent effects on the digestive tract. These compounds bind to proteins in the intestinal lining to form a protective barrier, reducing fluid secretion and inflammation. Additionally, phenolic acids in the bark provide antimicrobial properties that may help combat intestinal pathogens responsible for infections. This combination of astringent and antimicrobial actions supports its traditional use for managing diarrhea. Evidence level: C.

Does Mobola Plum interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Mobola Plum has potential drug interactions due to its significant tannin content. Tannins can bind to certain drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly iron supplements and alkaloid-based medications, reducing their absorption and efficacy. To minimize this interaction, separate the intake of Mobola Plum preparations from prescription medications by at least two to three hours. Patients taking antihypertensives or anticoagulants should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: D (theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for Mobola Plum bark?

The traditional adult dosage for Mobola Plum bark is 6 to 15 grams daily, typically prepared as a decoction or infusion. Because clinical evidence is limited to preclinical studies (Level C), users should adhere to the lowest effective dose necessary to manage symptoms. Due to the high tannin content, prolonged use or exceeding this dosage range is not recommended without professional guidance, as it may lead to adverse digestive effects.

Is Mobola Plum safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Mobola Plum is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The high tannin concentration and potential for uterine stimulation pose risks to fetal development and pregnancy maintenance. Traditional medicinal knowledge contraindicates its use for expectant mothers. Furthermore, the herb's strong astringent properties can cause constipation and dehydration, which are undesirable during pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb due to a lack of safety data.

What are the side effects of Mobola Plum?

The primary side effect associated with Mobola Plum is constipation, resulting from the astringent action of tannins on the digestive system. Excessive consumption can lead to hardened stools, abdominal discomfort, and potential bowel obstruction. For this reason, individuals with a history of chronic constipation or gastrointestinal blockage should strictly avoid this herb. Long-term use may also interfere with the absorption of dietary minerals like iron. Evidence level: Traditional.

Mobola Plum (Parinari curatellifolia)

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

Parinari curatellifolia, known as Mobola plum, is an African underutilized plant used as a food source and in ethnomedicine [PMID:39866452]. It exhibits various biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative effects [PMID:39866452, PMID:33178265].

Contexte

Mobola plum (Parinari curatellifolia) is a prominent evergreen tree from the Miombo woodland of south-central and eastern Africa, with a natural habitat stretching from West to Southern Africa [PMID:39866452, PMID:37928381].

Usages traditionnels

In Sub-Saharan Africa, plant decoctions are used to treat cancer, pneumonia, fever, microbial infections, anti-inflammation [PMID:27549624], stomach ailments, body aches, wound healing, and tuberculosis [PMID:27457758]. It is also employed in the treatment of leukemia, anemia, malaria [PMID:37599500], and bone disorders [PMID:41151042], and is used by traditional practitioners in Lubumbashi to treat female infertility [PMID:41349704].

Composés actifs

The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins [PMID:33178265]. Specific compounds identified include ent-kaurene diterpenoids (13-methoxy-15-oxozoapatlin, 13-hydroxy-15-oxozoapatlin, and 15-oxozoapatlin) in the root bark [PMID:8620568]. Seed oils are rich in erucic acid [PMID:33473275] or composed of alpha-eleostearic, linoleic, and oleic acids [PMID:34500642]. The cork contains suberin, lignin, and polysaccharides [PMID:37928381].

Mécanisme d'action

Ethanolic leaf extracts may increase glucose transport in intestinal epithelia (Caco-2 cells) by increasing glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) levels, while inhibiting insulin-stimulated glucose transport in adipocytes [PMID:41244198]. Certain diterpenoids may exert cytotoxic effects via Michael-type addition with cellular nucleophiles [PMID:8620568].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHepatic Necrosis (Rat Model)

Flavonoid extracts from seeds showed hepatoprotective potential against acetaminophen-induced necrosis [PMID:25313285]

Preuve DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (Rat Model)

Hydroethanolic extract from root bark showed beneficial effects on weight, hormonal, metabolic, and hepatic disturbances in letrozole-induced PCOS [PMID:41349704]

Preuve DCancer (In Vitro)

Root bark diterpenoids and leaf extracts demonstrated antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines [PMID:8620568, PMID:33178265]

Preuve DMycobacterium smegmatis (In Vitro)

Leaf extracts inhibited biofilm formation and growth, with methanol and ethanol extracts showing an MIC of 25 µg/mL [PMID:28558683, PMID:33763648]

Preuve DMalaria (In Vitro/In Vivo)

Aqueous leaves and bark mixture extract exhibited antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum and osteoprotective effects in P. berghei-compromised rats [PMID:41151042]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Methanol stem bark extract in female Wistar rats showed an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg [PMID:37599500]. Sub-chronic administration (100-400 mg/kg/day) led to significantly increased HCT, PLT, MCH, and MCHC levels, while WBC levels were reduced [PMID:37599500].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Leaf extracts were found to inhibit glutathione transferases (GSTs) in rats, which are enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics and herbal medicines [PMID:27457758].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant pharmacological potential in antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities, but lacks human clinical trials.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39866452 (2025) — Parinari curatellifolia: A treasure trove of phytochemicals, nutritional benefits, and biological activities. · Heliyon
2.PMID: 41349704 (2026) — Lubumbashi's medicinal plants against female infertility and the beneficial effects of Parinari curatellifolia Planch. Ex Benth., in the letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome in the female albino rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 27549624 (2016) — Multiple cellular effects of leaf extracts from Parinari curatellifolia. · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
4.PMID: 35184010 (2022) — Metabolomic and chemometric profiles of ten southern African indigenous fruits. · Food chemistry
5.PMID: 25313285 (2014)

Mobola Plum

Sources et citations