American Basswood (Tilia americana): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does American Basswood work for anxiety?

American Basswood contains tiliroside, quercetin, and kaempferol—flavonoid compounds believed to modulate GABA receptors in the nervous system, producing calming effects. The herb also contains mucilage, which provides soothing demulcent action on mucous membranes. These compounds work together to explain American Basswood's traditional use as a mild sedative for nervous conditions. Research is limited, with evidence rated at level C based primarily on traditional use and pharmacological studies rather than clinical trials.

Can I take American Basswood with other medications?

American Basswood may interact with central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and alcohol. Combining these substances can cause additive drowsiness and impaired coordination. The herb is contraindicated for individuals with cardiac disease or heart failure, potentially interacting with heart medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining American Basswood with prescription drugs. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on pharmacological properties).

What is the correct dosage of American Basswood for adults?

The standard adult dosage for American Basswood is 2-4 grams of dried flowers prepared as a tea, or 2-3 mL of tincture, taken up to three times daily. To prepare the tea, steep dried flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes before straining. Dosage recommendations are based on traditional use rather than clinical studies. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if taking other medications.

Is American Basswood safe to take during pregnancy?

American Basswood is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb's sedative properties and potential effects on cardiac function raise concerns for pregnant women. Traditional contraindications exist, and insufficient safety data is available for breastfeeding women, who should also avoid use. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements. Evidence level: C (traditional contraindication with limited modern safety data).

What are the side effects of American Basswood?

The primary side effect of American Basswood is drowsiness, which may impair alertness and coordination. This effect can be problematic when driving or operating machinery. American Basswood is contraindicated for individuals with cardiac disease or heart failure due to potential cardiac effects. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Discontinue use if you experience any adverse effects and consult a healthcare provider. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use and pharmacological data).

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

American Basswood (Tilia americana), particularly var. mexicana, is used in traditional medicine for its effects on the central nervous system, including anxiolytic and analgesic properties [PMID:36295818, PMID:18539420].

Background

Tilia americana, also known as American basswood or American linden, is a deciduous tree species [PMID:12027081, PMID:24234018].

Traditional uses

In Mexican traditional medicine, the aerial parts (bracts and flowers) are used to treat nervous disorders, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, nervous excitement, mood disorders, and general discomfort [PMID:18539420, PMID:33248185, PMID:25656001].

Active compounds

The plant contains flavonoids, including rutin, isoquercitrin, tiliroside, quercitrin, quercetin glucoside, and kaempferol [PMID:36295818, PMID:28749448, PMID:32184859].

Mechanism of action

Tilia americana extracts demonstrate antioxidant activity by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and diminishing lipid peroxidation [PMID:28344485, PMID:36060909].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAnxiety

Methanol extracts (starting at 25mg/kg) showed anxiolytic activity in mice using the elevated plus-maze test [PMID:18539420].

Evidence DPain/Fibromyalgia-type pain

Aqueous extracts and flavonoid fractions (containing rutin and isoquercitrin) produced dose-dependent antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects in rat models of fibromyalgia [PMID:36295818].

Evidence DCerebral Ischaemia

Non-polar and polar extracts increased survival rates, improved neurological deficits, and diminished infarct area in mice [PMID:26592749].

Evidence DSeizures

Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts significantly decreased the severity of seizures and increased latency to seizure in kainic acid-induced models in rats [PMID:36060909].

Evidence DDiabetes

Methanolic extracts of Tilia americana showed hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats [PMID:31179342].

Evidence DDepression

Safety & adverse effects

Toxicity evaluation using Artemia salina indicated moderate toxicity for Tilia americana extracts [PMID:31179342].

Drug interactions

In rat models, the combination of Tilia flavonoid fractions with tramadol or pramipexol was evaluated for analgesic efficacy [PMID:36295818]. Interaction with serotonergic drugs was also tested in mice [PMID:25656001].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based entirely on pre-clinical animal models (mice and rats) and in vitro studies; there are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 12027081 (2002) — American linden, Tilia americana. · Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
2.PMID: 37039741 (2023) — Systematic review on the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of flower extracts in in vivo pre-clinical studies published from 2010 to 2020. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 24234018 (1995) — Ethylene emission by a deciduous tree,Tilia americana, in response to feeding by introduced basswood thrips,Thrips calcaratus. · Journal of chemical ecology
4.PMID: 36864680 (2023) — Biochar mitigates allelopathic effects in temperate trees. · Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America
5.PMID: 26240301 (2015) — Ceratocystis tiliae sp. nov., a wound pathogen on Tilia americana.

American Basswood

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of American Basswood

Bai He

Prunus serotina

Turnera ulmifolia

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

American Basswood

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of American Basswood

Related Herbs

Bai He

Prunus serotina

Turnera ulmifolia

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources