How does cuachalalate work for stomach ulcers?

Cuachalalate contains masticadienonic acid, anacardic acids, terpenes, and tannins that contribute to its gastroprotective effects. The tannins create a protective barrier over ulcerated tissue, while anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce gastric mucosal damage. Anacardic acids have demonstrated antimicrobial properties that may help combat Helicobacter pylori bacteria associated with ulcers. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical research, with most support coming from traditional use and preliminary studies.

Can I take cuachalalate with blood thinners?

Cuachalalate should not be taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. The herb may enhance bleeding effects due to potential interactions with its active compounds. This contraindication is based on theoretical concerns and traditional knowledge rather than clinical trials. If you are on blood-thinning medications, consult your healthcare provider before using cuachalalate or any herbal supplement.

What is the recommended dosage for cuachalalate bark?

The traditional adult dosage for cuachalalate is 2-4 grams of dried bark prepared as a decoction, taken 2-3 times daily. To prepare, simmer the bark in water for 10-15 minutes, then strain before drinking. This dosing is based on traditional Mexican herbal practice, as clinical trials establishing optimal therapeutic doses are lacking. Start with the lower end of the dosage range and adjust based on tolerance. Evidence level C.

Is cuachalalate safe during pregnancy?

Cuachalalate is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. There is insufficient safety data regarding its use in pregnant women, and traditional knowledge suggests potential risks. The herb's active compounds, including anacardic acids and terpenes, may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use cuachalalate. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives for digestive concerns.

What is cuachalalate used for in Mexican traditional medicine?

Cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) is primarily used in Mexican traditional medicine for treating gastric ulcers, gastritis, and various digestive conditions. Folk applications also include kidney problems and cancer support, though these uses lack clinical validation. The bark is valued for its gastroprotective properties and has been used for centuries in Mexico. Evidence level C indicates that while traditional use is well-documented, rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

Cuachalalate Mexican (Amphipterygium adstringens)

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

Amphipterygium adstringens is an endemic Mexican tree whose stem bark is used for its anticancer, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:35807718].

Background

Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl, commonly known as cuachalalate, is a tree endemic to Mexico [PMID:35807718, PMID:27635116].

Traditional uses

Since pre-Hispanic times, the stem bark has been used to heal wounds, counteract microbial infections, and treat skin and oral lesions, gastric ulcers, gastritis, and gastrointestinal cancer [PMID:35807718, PMID:37848078, PMID:35461988, PMID:27635116].

Active compounds

Main active compounds include terpenes, long-chain phenols [PMID:35807718], anacardic acids (specifically 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid) [PMID:34071241, PMID:26371858], and triterpenoids such as 3alpha-hydroxymasticadienonic acid, beta-sitosterol, and 3-epi-oleanolic acid [PMID:14648392, PMID:17768020].

Mechanism of action

Gastroprotection is suggested to involve endogenous nitric oxide [PMID:14648392]. The anacardic acid 6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6SA) induces macrophage activation via phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, P38 kinases, and NF-κB [PMID:26371858].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DGastric Ulcers/Gastritis

Methanol extract showed gastroprotective effects (15.7% at 1 mg/kg and 72.5% at 300 mg/kg) in rat models [PMID:16354407]; 3-epi-oleanolic acid demonstrated 88.8% gastroprotection [PMID:14648392].

Evidence DUlcerative Colitis

Alcoholic extract (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced colon inflammation, decreased TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels, and increased SOD and GPx activities in mice [PMID:276351 la16].

Evidence DBacterial Infections (H. pylori)

Anacardic acids mixture exhibited potent dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori (MIC=10 microg/ml) [PMID:17768020].

Evidence DBreast Cancer

6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6SA) reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice and reduced apoptosis of blood cells when co-administered with 5-FU or carboplatin [PMID:34071241].

Evidence DWound Healing

Hydroalcoholic extract was evaluated for wound healing and antimicrobial effects in a rat excision model [PMID:35461988]; a folk remedy containing stem bark was evaluated for treating P. aeruginosa infected burns in mice [PMID:37848078].

Safety & adverse effects

6-pentadecyl salicylic acid (6SA) showed minimal or no secondary adverse effects and was not cytotoxic in mouse splenocytes [PMID:34071241, PMID:26371858].

Drug interactions

Simultaneous administration of cuachalalate methanol extract (30 or 100 mg/kg) did not modify the anti-inflammatory effect (ED50) of diclofenac sodium in rat paw edema models [PMID:16354407].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant potential for gastroprotective, antimicrobial, and antineoplastic activities, though human clinical trials are lacking.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35807718 (2022) — Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl (Anacardiaceae): An Endemic Plant with Relevant Pharmacological Properties. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 37848078 (2024) — Efficacy of a Mexican folk remedy containing cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl) for the treatment of burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 35461988 (2022) — Wound healing activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and the main metabolites of Amphipterygium adstringens (cuachalalate) in a rat excision model. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 15330500 (2004) — Principles of the bark of Amphipterygium adstringens (Julianaceae) with anti-inflammatory activity. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
5.PMID: 34071241

Cuachalalate Mexican

Sources & Citations

Carqueja

Spotted Bee Balm

Pineapple Weed

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Cuachalalate Mexican

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Carqueja

Spotted Bee Balm

Pineapple Weed

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources