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
Haematoxylum campechianum, known as the logwood tree, is a tropical tree native to Mexico and Central America primarily used for the production of the histopathological stain hematoxylin [PMID:30001639, PMID:38869850].
Background
Haematoxylum campechianum (also called 'palo tinto', 'palo de Campeche', 'redwood', or 'bloodwood tree') is a tropical legume tree from the Fabaceae family native to the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America [PMID:30001639, PMID:34687835, PMID:21708660]. It is characterized by dark-red heartwood from which hematoxylin is extracted [PMID:30001639].
Traditional uses
Traditional medicine utilizes the plant for the treatment of depression [PMID:34687835], as an astringent to purify the blood, and to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea and dysentery [PMID:28837100].
Active compounds
The heartwood contains hematoxylin, which oxidizes into the dye hematein [PMID:30001639]. Other isolated compounds include chalcones (sappanchalcone, 3-deoxysappanchalcone), homoisoflavonoids (hematoxylol A, 4-O-methylhematoxylol, 4-hydroxyhematoxylol), and hematoxin [PMID:34687835, PMID:28837100].
Mechanism of action
Extracts and specific compounds (sappanchalcone and 3-deoxysappanchalcone) have demonstrated spasmolytic activity by relaxing electrically induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum [PMID:28837100].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DAnxiety/Depression
Methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts from the heartwood and sappanchalcone showed anxiolytic effects in an in vivo mouse model (Elevated Plus Maze) [PMID:34687835]
Evidence DGastrointestinal Spasms
Methanolic extract and compounds sappanchalcone and 3-deoxysappanchalcone exhibited significant relaxing activity in an in vitro guinea pig ileum model [PMID:28837100]
Evidence summary
The available evidence is primarily based on in vitro and in vivo animal models (Level D) and historical/review articles (Level C), focusing on its chemical properties as a dye and preliminary pharmacological activities.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 38869850 (2024) — The return of natural dyes: the case of logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum L.). · Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission
- 2.PMID: 34687835 (2022) — Anxiolytic effect of the heartwood of Haematoxylum campechianum L. and sappanchalcone in an in vivo model in mice. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
- 3.PMID: 30001639 (2019) — Hematoxylin: Mesoamerica's Gift to Histopathology. Palo de Campeche (Logwood Tree), Pirates' Most Desired Treasure, and Irreplaceable Tissue Stain. · International journal of surgical pathology
- 4.PMID: 16195172 (2005) — The long history of hematoxylin. · Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission
- 5.PMID: 28837100 (2017) — Homoisoflavonoids and Chalcones Isolated from Haematoxylum campechianum L., with Spasmolytic Activity.