Polyalthia longifolia (Polyalthia longifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Polyalthia longifolia work as an antibacterial agent?

Polyalthia longifolia contains bioactive compounds including liriodenine, polyalthilin, flavonoids, and alkaloids that demonstrate antibacterial properties. Research suggests these compounds disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit bacterial growth through various mechanisms. In vitro studies have shown activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The plant's anti-inflammatory effects may also support its traditional use in treating infections and skin conditions. Evidence Level: C (preclinical studies only).

Can I take Polyalthia longifolia with other medications?

There is limited clinical research on Polyalthia longifolia drug interactions. Due to its potential effects on inflammatory pathways and immune function, caution is advised when taking it alongside immunosuppressant medications or anti-inflammatory drugs. Its antimicrobial properties could theoretically affect antibiotic treatments, though no specific interactions have been documented in clinical trials. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Polyalthia longifolia?

Traditional Ayurvedic practice suggests a dosage of 2-3 grams of Polyalthia longifolia bark or leaf prepared as a tea, taken once or twice daily. Standardized commercial extracts are not widely available, so dosing varies by preparation method. Due to limited clinical evidence, there is no established therapeutic dose. Users should start with lower amounts and follow traditional preparation guidelines. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Polyalthia longifolia safe to use during pregnancy?

Polyalthia longifolia is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional use and preliminary research suggest it may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use this herb. There is insufficient safety data to support use during these periods. Evidence Level: C. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy during pregnancy.

What are the traditional uses of Polyalthia longifolia in Ayurveda?

Polyalthia longifolia, commonly known as the Indian Mast Tree or Ashoka, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating fever, skin conditions, and bacterial infections. Traditional applications include managing inflammatory skin disorders, reducing fever, and supporting wound healing. The bark and leaves are the primary plant parts used medicinally. While preclinical studies support antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, human clinical trials remain limited. Evidence Level: C (traditional use with preclinical support).

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

Polyalthia longifolia is a medicinal plant from the Annonaceae family used in traditional medicine for skin diseases, fever, and hypertension [PMID:22849547, PMID:36978344]. It has demonstrated antimicrobial, anticancer, and organ-protective properties in various in vitro and animal models [PMID:31600562, PMID:36755952, PMID:37424570].

Background

Polyalthia longifolia (also known as P. longifolia var. pendula or var. angustifolia) is a tall evergreen tree cultivated in India and found in Asia [PMID:22849547, PMID:37693900].

Traditional uses

Used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for treating dermatological ailments such as kushta and visarpa/herpes virus infection, pyrexia of unknown origin, fever, and hypertension [PMID:31600562, PMID:22849547].

Active compounds

The plant contains clerodane diterpenes (e.g., polyalthialdoic acid, 16-hydroxy-ent-halima-5(10),13-dien-15,16-olide), protoberberine alkaloids, proanthocyanidins, and polyphenols [PMID:1775582, PMID:19860383, PMID:24863181, PMID:37516404]. Stem bark extracts have identified compounds including cis vaccenic acid, 3-ethyl-3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one, and copaiferic acid B [PMID:37424570].

Mechanism of action

Anticancer activity in HeLa cells is mediated via microRNA regulation and induction of apoptosis [PMID:37693900, PMID:31383043]. Anti-adipogenic effects occur through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibition of mitotic clonal expansion [PMID:37516404]. Anti-aging effects in yeast involve the regulation of SIR2, SOD1, and SOD2 genes [PMID:38619670]. Renoprotective effects are associated with the suppression of the TGF-β/smad pathway and down-regulation of microRNA-21 [PMID:34491152].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DBacterial Infections (MRSA, E. coli, S. aureus)

Leaf and stem bark extracts show bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity; leaf extract exhibits synergistic activity with ceftriaxone against MRSA [PMID:35935693, PMID:37424570, PMID:36978344, PMID:36296219]

Evidence DGastric Ulcers

Ethanol and methanolic leaf extracts significantly reduced ulcer index in rat and mice models of ethanol, HCl-ethanol, and stress-induced ulcers [PMID:21967687, PMID:20040940]

Evidence DNephrotoxicity (Vancomycin/Radiation induced)

Root extracts showed nephroprotective effects against vancomycin-induced toxicity [PMID:36755952]; leaf extracts ameliorated radiation-induced nephritis [PMID:34491152]

Evidence DCancer (HeLa, Colon, Breast cells)

Leaf extracts and specific diterpene derivatives induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in various cancer cell lines in vitro [PMID:37693900, PMID:1775582, PMID:40602225]

Evidence DHepatotoxicity (Cadmium-induced)

Aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts demonstrated prophylactic and curative effects against cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats [PMID:32436857]

Safety & adverse effects

Acute oral toxicity studies in Wistar albino rats showed that methanol leaf extract up to 3240 mg/kg body weight was well tolerated with no toxic effects or deaths [PMID:22849547].

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D). While promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects are noted, there are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 31600562 (2020) — Polyalthia longifolia leaves methanolic extract targets entry and budding of viruses-an in vitro experimental study against paramyxoviruses. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 35935693 (2022) — Antibacterial activities of seven ethnomedicinal plants from family Annonaceae. · Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research
3.PMID: 38157967 (2024) — Antimicrobial and anti-diabetic efficiency of Polyalthia longifolia leaf extracts and major compounds characterization. · Environmental research
4.PMID: 36755952 (2023) — Nephroprotective potential of Polyalthia longifolia roots against vancomycin-induced renal toxicity in experimental animals. · Frontiers in pharmacology
5.PMID: 37693900 (2023) — Standardized Polyalthia longifolia leaf extract induces the apoptotic HeLa cells death via microRNA regulation: identification, validation, and therapeutic potential.

Polyalthia longifolia

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Polyalthia longifolia