Harungana Madagascariensis (Harungana madagascariensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Harungana madagascariensis work for wound healing?

Harungana madagascariensis contains bioactive compounds including xanthones, anthraquinones, and tannins that contribute to its wound healing properties. The tannins provide astringent effects that help contract wound edges and reduce bleeding, while xanthones and flavonoids demonstrate antimicrobial activity against bacteria commonly found in skin infections. These compounds work synergistically to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use data).

Does Harungana madagascariensis interact with any medications?

Harungana madagascariensis may interact with hepatotoxic medications due to its potential to cause liver damage with prolonged use. Concurrent use with drugs metabolized by the liver, such as acetaminophen, statins, or certain antibiotics, may increase hepatotoxicity risk. The herb's traditional use for malaria suggests potential interactions with antimalarial drugs, though specific clinical interaction data is lacking. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Harungana madagascariensis bark?

The traditional adult dosage for Harungana madagascariensis is a bark decoction of approximately 200ml taken twice daily. This preparation involves boiling the dried bark in water and straining before consumption. Dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and should be guided by a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider. Internal use of the raw orange latex should be avoided due to safety concerns. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Harungana madagascariensis safe during pregnancy?

Harungana madagascariensis is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. The plant contains anthraquinones and other bioactive compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions or cause harm to the developing fetus. Traditional use data and the presence of these constituents support this safety classification. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use this herb internally or externally without medical supervision. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

What is Harungana madagascariensis used for in traditional medicine?

Harungana madagascariensis has been used traditionally across sub-Saharan Africa for wound healing, skin infections, malaria, dysentery, and anemia. The orange latex and bark preparations are applied topically for wounds and skin conditions, while decoctions are taken internally for systemic complaints. The plant's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable in traditional healing practices throughout its native range. Evidence level: C (based on ethnobotanical studies and preclinical research).

What are the side effects of Harungana madagascariensis?

Harungana madagascariensis may cause skin irritation when applied topically, particularly with the raw latex. Prolonged internal use has been associated with hepatotoxicity (liver damage), making it unsuitable for individuals with pre-existing liver disease. Other potential side effects are not well documented due to limited clinical research. Users should monitor for signs of liver dysfunction including jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain, and discontinue use immediately if these occur. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

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

Harungana madagascariensis is a widespread African pioneer tree used in traditional medicine for microbial infections, malaria, and skin care [PMID:40693248, 26721224, 38486384].

Background

Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) is a dominant native pioneer tree species found in Africa, including the volcanic oceanic island of Mauritius [PMID:40421372, 41438116].

Traditional uses

In Cameroonian folk medicine, it is used to treat malaria, typhoid fever, and a wide range of human diseases including microbial infections [PMID:26721224, 40693248]. It is also traditionally used for skin care [PMID:38486384].

Active compounds

The plant contains prenylated anthranoids (e.g., kenganthranols A-M, harunganols A-I, harunmadagascarins A-D), anthraquinones, anthrones (e.g., madagascenone A and B, bazouanthrone), and flavanones such as astilbin [PMID:33711738, 26727375, 15924922, 16483735, 17329893, 26621758]. Other identified constituents include alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, betulinic acid, and lupeol [PMID:40693248, 15924922, 27267830].

Mechanism of action

A plant extract (HME) induces genes stimulated by retinol, including the upregulation of all RARs and RXRs (including RXRγ) [PMID:35238059]. Certain compounds exhibit α-glucosidase inhibitory activity [PMID:33711738, 26727375, 26621758, 16499321]. Other fractions regulate collagen and melanin biosynthesis gene expression (TYR, TRP-1, COL1A1, MMP-1) and inhibit 15-lipoxygenase and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages [PMID:38486384].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BSkin Aging

A cosmetic cream containing H. madagascariensis extract (HME) showed anti-aging effects indistinguishable from a retinol cream regarding wrinkles under the eyes, ptosis, color homogeneity, smoothness, plumpness, firmness, and elasticity over 28 to 56 days [PMID:37155516]

Evidence DSalmonellosis (Typhoid Fever)

Aqueous leaf extract significantly reduced viable Salmonella Typhimurium in a rat model and could stop salmonellosis after 10 days of treatment [PMID:26721224]

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Leaf extracts demonstrate in vitro antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhi [PMID:11933123], and against oral bacteria implicated in dental caries and gingivitis [PMID:16809192].

Evidence DMalaria

Isolated compounds from root bark, specifically bazouanthrone, showed potency against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro [PMID:17329893].

Safety & adverse effects

In rats, intraperitoneal administration of isosaline leaf and stem-bark extracts (400 mg/kg) caused significant elevation of liver, kidney, and serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as elevated serum urea, total proteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol [PMID:15305323]. High doses (≥100mg/kg) of aqueous leaf extract in rats showed biochemical and histological side effects [PMID:26721224].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one preliminary clinical study on human subjects for cosmetic application (Level B).

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 33711738 (2021) — Further prenylated anthranoids from Harungana madagascariensis. · Phytochemistry
2.PMID: 35238059 (2022) — A Harungana madagascariensis extract with retinol-like properties: Gene upregulations and protein expressions in human fibroblasts and skin explants. · International journal of cosmetic science
3.PMID: 26727375 (2016) — α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Prenylated Anthranols from Harungana madagascariensis. · Journal of natural products
4.PMID: 40421372 (2025) — A scoping review of tropical pioneer trees' roles for restoration and conservation management: Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) a widespread African species as a model. · PeerJ
5.PMID: 41438116 (2025) — Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) is a key phorophyte for native epiphytes and lianas during ecological restoration: case study on an oceanic island.

Harungana Madagascariensis

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Harungana Madagascariensis