Plumeria alba (Plumeria alba): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Plumeria alba work as a medicinal plant?

Plumeria alba contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal effects. Plumericin, an iridoid compound, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Flavonoids provide antioxidant effects, while tannins offer astringent properties useful for wound healing and digestive complaints. The essential oils contribute additional antimicrobial action. These compounds work synergistically to support traditional uses for skin diseases and digestive issues. However, human clinical trials are limited, and evidence remains at Level C (preliminary research).

Can Plumeria alba interact with prescription medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Plumeria alba in current scientific literature. However, clinical research is limited, and potential interactions cannot be ruled out. The plant's effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug metabolism have not been systematically studied. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Plumeria alba. The latex component may theoretically affect absorption of topical medications. Evidence level: C, based on lack of clinical data rather than confirmed safety.

What is the correct dosage for Plumeria alba bark preparations?

Traditional adult dosage for Plumeria alba bark decoction is 5-10 grams of dried bark, prepared as a tea or decoction and taken twice daily for digestive complaints. For topical applications, the latex is applied directly to wounds or affected skin areas. Standardized commercial preparations are not widely available, making consistent dosing challenging. These recommendations are based on traditional use rather than clinical trials. Evidence level: C. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance.

Is Plumeria alba safe to use during pregnancy?

Plumeria alba is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. The plant contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially causing miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional use includes emmenagogue properties (stimulating menstrual flow), which contraindicates use during pregnancy. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use Plumeria alba in any form, including topical applications of the latex.

What are the side effects of Plumeria alba?

Reported side effects of Plumeria alba include skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, particularly from the latex component. Individuals with latex allergy should avoid this herb entirely, as cross-reactivity may occur. Internal use may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. The plumericin compound can irritate mucous membranes. Discontinue use immediately if skin rash, itching, swelling, or digestive symptoms develop. Seek medical attention for severe reactions. Evidence level: C, based on traditional use reports and preliminary studies.

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 23 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Plumeria alba, also known as frangipani or West Indian jasmine, is a small laticiferous tree recognized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [PMID:35959306, PMID:35159838].

Background

Plumeria alba is a small laticiferous tree [PMID:35159838] belonging to the Apocynaceae family [PMID:27417173].

Traditional uses

It is used in traditional and ancient folklore medicine to manage bacterial, fungal, and viral infections (such as herpes and scabies), as well as for treating diarrhea, cough, fever, asthma [PMID:35959306, PMID:36873255]. In Togolese traditional medicine, it is used to treat diabetes mellitus and wounds [PMID:24711763], and its latex is used for curing skin diseases and promoting wound healing [PMID:33705919].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include iridoids such as allamancins A and B and 3-O-methyallamancin [PMID:38372184], and the compound plumercine [PMID:35102802]. Flower essential oils contain linalool, α-terpineol, geraniol, and phenyl ethyl alcohol [PMID:36873255], while leaf essential oils contain linalool, n-nonanal, phenyl acetaldehyde, neryl acetone, and n-decanal [PMID:25532294]. Other metabolites associated with the genus include triterpenoids, alkaloids, and cardenolides [PMID:27417173].

Mechanism of action

The latex of P. alba exhibits thrombin-like and plasmin-like activities and induces platelet aggregation via the action of cysteine protease [PMID:33705919]. Certain fractions of leaf extracts may involve nitric oxide in their gastric ulcer-healing effects [PMID:24461594].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DArthritis

Hydroalcoholic leaf extract fractions (EAPA and BPA) significantly reduced paw swelling and decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and spleen weight in formaldehyde and FCA-induced rat models [PMID:25025056]

Evidence DGastric Ulcers

Ethyl acetate (EAPA) and n-butanol (BPA) fractions of leaf extracts showed gastric ulcer-healing effects in indomethacin-induced rat models [PMID:24461594]

Evidence DCancer (Leukemia/Lung)

The compound plumercine and plant extracts showed robust anti-proliferative activity against B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (NALM 6) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines in vitro [PMID:35102802]

Evidence DViral Infections (Dengue/Chikungunya)

Extracts of P. alba demonstrated in vitro antiviral activity against Dengue and Chikungunya viruses [PMID:35463636]

Evidence DMicrobial Infections

Flower extracts exhibit antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties against oral and periodontal pathogens in vitro [PMID:35959306]

Safety & adverse effects

In a rat study, acute oral administration of hydroalcoholic root extract at 5 g/Kg showed no adverse effects [PMID:24711763]. Sub-acute administration up to 1000 mg/Kg for 28 days did not induce death or significant changes in body weight, vital organ weight, hematological parameters, or liver and kidney toxicity [PMID:24711763].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. No human clinical trials were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36278964 (2022) — Methylene blue removal using raw and modified biomass Plumeria alba (white frangipani) in batch mode: isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies. · Environmental monitoring and assessment
2.PMID: 25842128 (2015) — Catalytic and biological activities of green silver nanoparticles synthesized from Plumeria alba (frangipani) flower extract. · Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications
3.PMID: 35959306 (2022) — Antimicrobial and cytotoxicity properties of Plumeria alba flower extract against oral and periodontal pathogens: A comparative in vitro study. · Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
4.PMID: 37552312 (2023) — Plumeria alba flower extract-mediated synthesis of recyclable chitosan-coated cadmium nanoparticles for pest control and dye degradation. · Bioprocess and biosystems engineering
5.PMID: 35159838

Plumeria alba

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Plumeria alba