PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Agave americana is a succulent plant with Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) used for medicinal, commercial, and ornamental purposes [PMID:36079687, PMID:10025868].
Background
Agave americana L. is a tropical plant characterized by high yield, cold tolerance, and drought and heat tolerance [PMID:36079687, PMID:38467396]. It is a succulent that thrives in arid or semiarid environments [PMID:32535922].
Traditional uses
Historically, Agave species have been used to produce food, sugar, fiber, and medicines [PMID:37279950]. Specific traditional uses include the production of pulque (a fermented beverage of pre-Hispanic origin) and the consumption of red worm [PMID:27446061, PMID:34746372].
Active compounds
The sap of Agave americana contains calcium oxalate crystals, acrid oils, and saponins [PMID:10025868]. Other Agave species (A. salmiana) contain phenolic compounds, flavonols, and steroidal saponins [PMID:30069685].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DScorbutus
Historical reports from 1851 and 1852 list Maguey (Agave americana) as a remedy for scorbutus [PMID:38120992, PMID:35375722]
Evidence DInfections
Endophytic fungi associated with Agave americana demonstrate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans [PMID:38467396]
Safety & adverse effects
Agave americana can cause irritant contact dermatitis, characterized by papulovesicular eruption, and has been reported to cause purpura consistent with evolving leukocytoclastic vasculitis [PMID:10025868]. Penetrating injury from an agave plant has been associated with the development of fungal endophthalmitis [PMID:37463471].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on historical reports, case reports of adverse reactions, and in vitro studies of associated endophytic fungi; there are no modern clinical trials or systematic reviews evaluating its therapeutic efficacy.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 36079687 (2022) — Agave americana: Characteristics and Potential Breeding Priorities. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 35375722 (1852) — Maguey, or Agave Americana; a Remedy for Scorbutus. · The Buffalo medical journal and monthly review of medical and surgical science
- 3.PMID: 27446061 (2016) — Pulque, a Traditional Mexican Alcoholic Fermented Beverage: Historical, Microbiological, and Technical Aspects. · Frontiers in microbiology
- 4.PMID: 38120992 (1851) — Maguey, or Agave Americana, as a Remedy for Scorbutus. · Medical examiner (Philadelphia, Pa.)
- 5.PMID: 32535922 (2020) — Agave: a natural renewable resource with multiple applications.