How does Haematoxylum campechianum work for diarrhea?

The medicinal action of Haematoxylum campechianum is primarily attributed to its high tannin content. Tannins act as astringents, binding to proteins in the intestinal mucosa to form a protective layer. This action reduces secretion and inflammation, helping to firm the stool and reduce fluid loss associated with diarrhea and dysentery. Evidence Level: B.

Does Haematoxylum campechianum interact with medications?

Due to its significant tannin content, Haematoxylum campechianum may interfere with the absorption of certain oral medications. Tannins can bind to alkaloids and other drug compounds in the digestive tract, potentially reducing their efficacy. It is advisable to separate the intake of this herb and prescription medications by at least two hours to prevent potential absorption issues. Evidence Level: D.

What is the recommended dosage for Haematoxylum campechianum bark?

The traditional adult dosage for Haematoxylum campechianum involves preparing a bark decoction using 5 to 10 grams of dried material, taken twice daily. This preparation is typically used for the short-term management of diarrhea or fever. Users should adhere to recommended amounts to avoid excessive tannin intake. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Haematoxylum campechianum safe during pregnancy?

No, Haematoxylum campechianum is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains potent compounds and tannins that may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid this herb entirely due to the lack of safety data and potential toxicity risks. Evidence Level: D.

What are the side effects of Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum)?

The primary side effect associated with Haematoxylum campechianum is constipation, resulting from the astringent properties of its tannins. Excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or bowel obstruction. Individuals with a history of chronic constipation should avoid this herb, and users should discontinue use if bowel movements become difficult. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Haematoxylum campechianum (Haematoxylum campechianum)

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

Haematoxylum campechianum

Sources & Citations

Psidium Guineense

Frangipani

Oxalis corniculata

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Haematoxylum campechianum

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Psidium Guineense

Frangipani

Oxalis corniculata

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources