Prunus mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Prunus mahaleb work as a diuretic?

Prunus mahaleb contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal effects. The plant contains prunasin (a cyanogenic glycoside), coumarin, tannins, and flavonoids. These compounds are believed to produce diuretic effects by increasing urine output, while coumarin contributes antispasmodic properties that may help relax smooth muscle in the urinary tract. The evidence for these mechanisms is rated Level C, based primarily on preclinical research and traditional use rather than human clinical trials.

Does Prunus mahaleb interact with any medications?

Prunus mahaleb may interact with several types of medications. Due to its coumarin content, it could potentially enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, increasing bleeding risk. The diuretic properties may add to the effects of prescription diuretics, potentially causing electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, because the herb affects kidney function, it may alter how certain medications are processed and eliminated from the body. Patients taking blood thinners, diuretics, or medications for kidney conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

What is the recommended dosage of Prunus mahaleb bark?

The traditional adult dosage for Prunus mahaleb is 5-10 grams of bark prepared as a decoction. This preparation involves boiling the bark in water to extract the active compounds. However, this dosage recommendation is based on traditional Mediterranean folk medicine use rather than standardized clinical trials. There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish a proven therapeutic dose. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing guidance, especially given the potential safety concerns associated with this herb.

Is Prunus mahaleb safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Prunus mahaleb is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains coumarin, a compound that is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential harmful effects on fetal development. Additionally, prunasin is a cyanogenic glycoside that may release cyanide compounds in the body, posing additional risks during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid Prunus mahaleb in all forms. Those who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data.

Can Prunus mahaleb help treat kidney stones?

Prunus mahaleb has been used traditionally in Mediterranean folk medicine for managing kidney stones. The herb is believed to help through its diuretic action, which increases urine flow and may assist in flushing the urinary system, and its antispasmodic properties, which may help relieve pain associated with stone passage. However, the evidence supporting this use is rated Level C, meaning it is based primarily on traditional use and preclinical studies rather than rigorous human clinical trials. Individuals with kidney stones should consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.

What are the side effects of Prunus mahaleb?

Reported side effects of Prunus mahaleb primarily include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or digestive disturbances. More serious concerns relate to the herb's content of coumarin and prunasin. Coumarin can potentially cause liver toxicity with prolonged use at high doses. Prunasin, as a cyanogenic glycoside, may release toxic compounds if consumed in large amounts. The herb is specifically contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, as it may worsen kidney function. Anyone experiencing adverse effects should discontinue use and seek medical attention.

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

Prunus mahaleb (mahlab cherry) is a deciduous plant native to Europe, Western Asia, and the Mediterranean region with diverse medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic applications [PMID:33365475, 37663279].

Contexte

Prunus mahaleb is an ornamental and food plant [PMID:33365475, 36924865] used as a rootstock for cherries due to its resistance to environmental stressors [PMID:40382348].

Usages traditionnels

It is used in the baking industry for flavoring [PMID:36924865], in the production of traditional liqueurs [PMID:34361576], and in India for treating hyperpigmentation using fruit kernels [PMID:36924865].

Composés actifs

The plant contains phenylpropanoids (hydroxy cinnamates, coumaroyl derivatives), coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, and fatty acids [PMID:37663279]. Specific compounds include cinnamic acid derivatives (e.g., melilotoside) [PMID:36924865], anthocyanins (cyanidin derivatives) [PMID:26300229, 22980784], and seed oils rich in alpha-eleostearic, oleic, and linoleic acids [PMID:24754875, 34382873].

Mécanisme d'action

Fruit extracts may act on oxido-reductive homeostasis and hepatic lipid metabolism via activation of the Nrf2 pathway [PMID:31410984]. Seed oil may induce DNA and protein leakage and cell surface destruction in yeast [PMID:34382873].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHyperpigmentation

Cinnamic acid derivatives from P. mahaleb exhibit anti-tyrosinase and antimelanogenic effects in B16F10 murine melanoma cells [PMID:36924865]

Preuve DColitis

Concentrated fruit extract blunts pathological signs of chemically induced colitis and increases antioxidant defenses in mouse colon [PMID:31410984]

Preuve DUrolithiasis

Seed extract was evaluated for its effect on ethylene glycol- and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis in mice [PMID:32210490]

Preuve DFungal Infections (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis)

Seed oil demonstrates antifungal activity and shows an indifferent effect when combined with fluconazole [PMID:34382873]

Preuve DInflammation

Water extract inhibits COX-2, TNF-alpha, HIF1-alpha, and VEGFA in isolated mouse colons [PMID:34361576]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

The oil fraction of kernels was found to be safe without acute lethal toxicity in doses up to 100 ml/kg in guinea pigs [PMID:20161891]. However, P. mahaleb proteins exhibit cross-reactivity with almond-specific IgE, potentially causing acute allergic symptoms in individuals with almond or tree nut allergies [PMID:33117599, 28627716, 29202918].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Seed oil showed an indifferent effect when used in combination with the antimycotic fluconazole against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis [PMID:34382873].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), focusing on phytochemical profiling and preliminary pharmacological activities; no human clinical trials were provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 33365475 (2019) — Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Prunus mahaleb. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
2.PMID: 37663279 (2023) — Profiling of primary and phytonutrients in edible mahlab cherry (Prunus mahaleb L.) seeds in the context of its different cultivars and roasting as analyzed using molecular networking and chemometric tools. · PeerJ
3.PMID: 31421756 (2019) — Exploitation of Prunus mahaleb fruit by fermentation with selected strains of Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. · Food microbiology
4.PMID: 36924865 (2023) — Anti-tyrosinase and antimelanogenic effect of cinnamic acid derivatives from Prunus mahaleb L.: Phenolic composition, isolation, identification and inhibitory activity. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 34361576 (2021) — Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and the Pharmacological Properties of an Optimized Extract from the Fruit from Prunus mahaleb L.: From Traditional Liqueur Market to the Pharmacy Shelf.

Prunus mahaleb

Sources et citations

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