Nagarjuna (Mesua ferrea): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Mesua ferrea work as a cardiac tonic?

Mesua ferrea contains active compounds including mesuol, mammeisin, and coumarins that are believed to support cardiovascular function. These constituents may help strengthen cardiac muscle contractions and improve circulation through effects on vascular tone. The xanthones present also contribute antioxidant properties that may protect cardiac tissue from oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanism of action remains poorly understood and requires further research. Current evidence level is C, based primarily on traditional use and preliminary pharmacological studies rather than robust clinical trials.

Does Nagarjuna interact with heart medications or blood thinners?

Mesua ferrea may potentially interact with cardiac medications due to its cardiotonic properties. The herb contains coumarins, which could theoretically enhance the effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, increasing bleeding risk. Patients taking digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or blood thinners like warfarin should avoid this herb or consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence for these interactions is theoretical (Level C-D), based on constituent analysis rather than documented clinical cases, but caution is warranted.

What is the recommended dosage of Nagarjuna (Mesua ferrea) for adults?

The traditional Ayurvedic dosage for Mesua ferrea (nagakeshar) is 1-3 grams of dried flower stamens daily, taken as a powder or prepared as a tea. Standardized extracts are typically dosed at 500 mg taken twice daily. Dosage should be adjusted based on the specific formulation and individual response. It is advisable to start with lower doses and consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider for personalized guidance. These recommendations are based on traditional use (Level C evidence).

Is Nagarjuna (Mesua ferrea) safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Mesua ferrea is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. The herb contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development, though specific teratogenic effects have not been well documented. Due to insufficient safety data, breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb. Women of childbearing age should use reliable contraception if taking this herb medicinally. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement during pregnancy or while nursing.

What are the side effects of Mesua ferrea (Nagarjuna)?

Common side effects of Mesua ferrea primarily involve mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, stomach discomfort, or loose stools, particularly when taken on an empty stomach or at higher doses. Some individuals may experience mild cardiac effects due to the herb's cardiotonic properties, though serious adverse events are rare with recommended dosages. Discontinue use if you experience palpitations, dizziness, or severe digestive symptoms. Those with pre-existing heart conditions should exercise particular caution and seek medical advice before use.

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

Mesua ferrea L., also known as Nagkesar or Cobra saffron, is a tropical forest plant used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID: 33207941, 33039539, 40054702].

Contexte

Mesua ferrea L. (Family: Calophyllaceae) is a tropical timber tree used for oil and herbal medicines [PMID: 36084895, 33039539]. It is colloquially known as Nagkesar or Cobra saffron and is the state flower of Tripura, India [PMID: 33039539].

Usages traditionnels

It is used traditionally in India and South East Asian countries as an antiseptic, antidote, and brain tonic [PMID: 33207941]. In Ayurvedic literature, it is prescribed for pain, inflammation, and rheumatic conditions [PMID: 21986230], and it has been utilized in folk medicine for antidiabetic properties [PMID: 40054702]. In Myanmar, it is used in traditional skincare formulations [PMID: 31135222].

Composés actifs

The plant contains xanthones (including 1,5,6-trihydroxyxanthone, mesuaferrin A, B, and C, and alpha-mangostin) [PMID: 30368220, 23381024], 4-phenylcoumarins (mesuaferols A-C, mesuol A and B) [PMID: 36412548, 40054702], biflavonoids (rhusflavanone and mesuaferrone B) [PMID: 31534074, 31135222], and polyphenols such as vitexin and isovitexin [PMID: 38601576]. Other identified components include alpha-amyrin and betulinic acid [PMID: 28807224].

Mécanisme d'action

The oleo-gum resin extract may attenuate angiogenesis by down-regulating transcription factors HIF-1alpha and WNT, leading to the blockage of the VEGF/Angiopoietin axis [PMID: 40851795]. Certain prenylated polyphenols from leaves stimulate glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes [PMID: 40054702], while others inhibit alpha-glucosidase [PMID: 39853874]. Biflavonoids from flowers inhibit the secretion of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) effector proteins without affecting bacterial growth [PMID: 31534074].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DArthritis

Extracts of M. ferrea seed protected rats against formaldehyde and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis [PMID: 21986230]

Preuve DCancer (In vitro/In vivo)

Extracts from flowering buds inhibited proliferation, migration, and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and 4T1) [PMID: 39842228]. Stem bark extract induced apoptosis and inhibited metastasis in human colorectal carcinoma HCT 116 cells [PMID: 28807224].

Preuve DMalaria

Ethanolic extracts of branches (EMFB) and leaves (EMF) exhibited high antimalarial activity in vitro [PMID: 39621736].

Preuve DBacterial Infections

Methanol extract of flowers inhibited various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and provided protection to mice challenged with Salmonella typhimurium [PMID: 15551387].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

A subacute toxicity study in rats (doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg over 28 days) of the ethanolic extract of flowers showed no adverse effects on growth rate or hematological parameters, though a slight decrease in total cholesterol was noted [PMID: 33207941].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell line studies and in vivo animal models (Level D). There are no human clinical trials or systematic reviews provided in the source data.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 38601576 (2024) — Comparative discriminant analysis of Mesua ferrea L. and its adulterants. · Heliyon
2.PMID: 33207941 (2022) — Subacute toxicity study of the ethanolic extract of Mesua ferrea (L.) flowers in rats. · Drug and chemical toxicology
3.PMID: 30368220 (2019) — Cytotoxic xanthones from the roots of Mesua ferrea L. · Phytochemistry
4.PMID: 39621736 (2024) — Exploring the potential antimalarial properties, safety profile, and phytochemical composition of Mesua ferrea Linn. · PloS one
5.PMID: 36412548 (2023) — Cytotoxic 4-phenylcoumarins from the flowering buds of Mesua ferrea. · Natural product research
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Nagarjuna

Sources et citations

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