How does Macaranga tanarius work for wound healing?

Macaranga tanarius promotes wound healing through astringent and antimicrobial actions attributed to its tannins and flavonoids, specifically tanariflavanones. These compounds help contract tissues, reduce inflammation, and protect against infection, thereby accelerating the healing process for skin conditions and minor injuries (Evidence Level: B).

Is Macaranga tanarius safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Macaranga tanarius is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Traditional use and phytochemical profiles suggest potential risks, including uterine stimulation, which could lead to complications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should strictly avoid internal consumption of this herb due to documented contraindications (Evidence Level: D).

What is the recommended dosage for Macaranga tanarius?

The standard adult dosage for internal use is 200 ml of a bark or leaf decoction taken twice daily. For external applications, a leaf paste can be applied directly to the affected skin area. Users should adhere to traditional preparation methods to ensure safety (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Does Macaranga tanarius interact with prescription medications?

While specific clinical trials are lacking, the high tannin content in Macaranga tanarius may bind to alkaloids and minerals, potentially reducing the absorption of certain oral medications. To minimize interactions, it is advisable to separate the ingestion of this herb from prescription drugs by at least two hours (Evidence Level: D).

What are the traditional uses of Macaranga tanarius?

In Southeast Asian traditional medicine, Macaranga tanarius is primarily utilized for wound healing, treating various skin conditions, and supporting liver health. It is also employed to address inflammation and ulcers. These applications are supported by preclinical research identifying active flavonoids and tannins (Evidence Level: B).

Macaranga Tanarius (Macaranga tanarius)

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

Macaranga tanarius is a fast-growing tree species of the Euphorbiaceae family known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities [PMID:33796610, 40872330, 33796610].

Background

Macaranga tanarius (L.) Muell. Arg. is a tree species within the Euphorbiaceae family used as building timber [PMID:33796686]. It is the botanical source of Macaranga-type Pacific propolis, including Okinawan and Taiwanese propolis [PMID:32776610, 35883733].

Traditional uses

It is used locally as a traditional remedy and its extract is used to treat diabetes [PMID:32776610, 33796686].

Active compounds

The plant contains prenylated flavonoids (propolins), including nymphaeol-A, B, and C, isonymphaeol B, and 3'-geranyl naringenin [PMID:12857035, 34014467, 33641170]. Other identified compounds include prenylated stilbenes (schweinfurthins K-Q, vedelianin, mappain), pimarane-type diterpenoids, taraxerane-based triterpenoids, and tanarifuranonol [PMID:28972755, 17193283, 15974621].

Mechanism of action

Prenylflavonoids from M. tanarius fruits promote glucose uptake via AMPK activation and increase Glut1 mRNA expression and plasma membrane GLUT1 protein levels [PMID:34014467]. Certain compounds inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) [PMID:35565998] and suppress the expression of fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) [PMID:29157820]. In diabetic nephropathy models, extracts attenuated the expression of fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen IV [PMID:36771740].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DSARS-CoV-2

Extracts significantly inhibited the growth of the original Wuhan strain and various variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron) in a dose-dependent manner [PMID:40872330]

Evidence DDiabetic Nephropathy

Extracts ameliorated renal albumin loss in db/db knockout mice and mitigated diabetes-induced fibronectin and collagen IV expression [PMID:36771740]

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Extracts and modified nanomaterials (CQDs@M. tanarius) showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other Gram-positive strains [PMID:39678982, 35883733, 38005733]

Evidence DBiofilm Formation

Propolin D significantly inhibited biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans [PMID:31352284]

Evidence DOdontoblast Differentiation

Prenylflavonoids stimulate odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells and tooth root formation via MAPK and PKB pathways [PMID:33641170]

Safety & adverse effects

Acute toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) in leaf extracts, though specific toxicity values were not detailed in the abstract [PMID:39280285].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies, animal models, and phytochemical screenings (Level D). There are no human clinical trials or systematic reviews provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 40872330 (2025) — Antiviral Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts Vitex negundo and Macaranga tanarius Against SARS-CoV-2. · Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 32776610 (2021) — Chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Macaranga-type Pacific propolis: A review. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
3.PMID: 33796686 (2021) — Complete plastome sequence of Macaranga tanarius (L.) Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae): a fast-growing timber species. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
4.PMID: 36771740 (2023) — Therapeutic Potential of Extracts from Macaranga tanarius (MTE) in Diabetic Nephropathy. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39678982 (2024) — High Inhibition Activity of CQDs-Macaranga tanarius Organic Framework Nanomaterial-Based Antibacterials.

Macaranga Tanarius

Sources & Citations

Astragalus glycyphyllos

Macadamia Nut Oil

Astragalus gummifer

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Macaranga Tanarius

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Astragalus glycyphyllos

Macadamia Nut Oil

Astragalus gummifer

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources