Saraphi (Mammea siamensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Saraphi work as an antimicrobial?

Saraphi (Mammea siamensis) contains active compounds including mammein, mammeisin, and coumarins that demonstrate antimicrobial properties. These compounds work by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting microbial growth. The coumarins present in the plant have shown activity against various skin pathogens in laboratory studies. Traditional use as an insecticide also suggests compounds that affect insect nervous systems. Evidence Level: C (preliminary laboratory evidence).

Does Saraphi interact with any medications?

There is limited research on drug interactions with Saraphi (Mammea siamensis). Due to its coumarin content, there may be theoretical interactions with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, as some coumarins can affect blood clotting. Additionally, topical preparations may enhance absorption of other topical medications. If you are taking prescription medications, consult a healthcare provider before using Saraphi products. Evidence Level: C (theoretical based on constituent compounds).

What is the recommended dosage for Saraphi?

Saraphi (Mammea siamensis) is used exclusively as a topical preparation in traditional Thai medicine. There is no standardized dosage established in clinical research. Traditional applications involve applying preparations to affected skin areas for conditions like scabies and skin infections. Internal use is not recommended due to safety concerns. Always follow product-specific instructions or consult a qualified herbal practitioner for appropriate application methods. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Saraphi safe to use during pregnancy?

Saraphi (Mammea siamensis) is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. The plant contains compounds that may have uterine-stimulating effects or potentially harm fetal development. Traditional Thai medicine explicitly advises against use in pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid all Saraphi preparations, including topical applications. Evidence Level: C (based on traditional contraindications).

What is Saraphi used for in traditional Thai medicine?

Saraphi (Mammea siamensis) is traditionally used in Thai medicine primarily for skin conditions including skin infections, scabies, and various hair conditions. The plant has been employed as a natural insecticide and antimicrobial agent. Traditional practitioners apply it topically to treat parasitic skin infestations and bacterial or fungal skin infections. Evidence Level: C (traditional use with preliminary laboratory support for antimicrobial activity).

What are the side effects of Saraphi?

The primary reported side effect of Saraphi (Mammea siamensis) is skin irritation, particularly with topical application. Some individuals may experience redness, itching, or contact dermatitis at the application site. Due to limited clinical studies, the full range of potential adverse effects is not well documented. Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen. Evidence Level: C (based on traditional use reports).

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

Saraphi (Mammea siamensis) is a Thai medicinal plant known for its bioactive coumarins and xanthones, which demonstrate antiproliferative and antimalarial activities in laboratory models [PMID:25738951, 36224571, 37259379].

Background

Mammea siamensis, also known as Saraphi, is a medicinal plant from the Calophyllaceae family used in traditional Thai medicine [PMID:25738951, 28573218, 36224571].

Traditional uses

It is used in traditional Thai medicine [PMID:25738951, 28573218] and is a component of the 'Poh-Pu' remedy for cancer therapy [PMID:34953977], the 'Kheaw Hom' remedy for fever [PMID:37143036], and the 'Sa-Tri-Lhung-Klod' remedy used for postpartum care, amenorrhea, menopause, and as a blood tonic [PMID:25518307].

Active compounds

The plant contains various coumarins (including mammea E/BB, mammeasins A-Q, kayeassamins A-G, and surangins B-D) [PMID:25738951, 12027761, 32266216, 37259379, 33246033, 21048341], xanthones (such as 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone) [PMID:9612959, 38521901, 21048341], and flavonoids like vitexin and isovitexin [PMID:38601576].

Mechanism of action

Mammea E/BB down-regulates Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1) expression by disrupting transcriptional auto-regulation rather than through protein or mRNA degradation [PMID:27193767]. Other mechanisms include the inhibition of testosterone 5α-reductase [PMID:32266216], competitive inhibition of aromatase [PMID:36232534], and induction of apoptosis via activation of Caspase-3/-8 [PMID:27695262] or inhibition of Vacuolar-Type H+-ATPase associated with GSK-3β/β-Catenin, PI3K/Akt/NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways [PMID:40283879].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DLeukemia (K562, Molt4, HL-60 cells)

Extracts and compounds (e.g., mammea E/BB, kayeassamin A) showed cytotoxic effects and decreased WT1 and Bcr/Abl protein expression [PMID:25738951, 28573218, 27695262].

Evidence DMalaria (P. falciparum, P. berghei)

Hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed potent antimalarial activity in vitro [PMID:36224571]; 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone demonstrated in vivo antimalarial activity in mouse models [PMID:38521901].

Evidence DVarious Carcinomas (Prostate, Colon, Breast, Cervical)

Methanol flower extracts and specific coumarins (e.g., mammeasins A, B, E/BC) exhibited anti-proliferative activity against LNCaP, HCT116, and other cancer cell lines [PMID:37259379, 40283879, 33246033, 21048341].

Evidence DEnteric Bacteria

Ethanolic flower extracts were investigated for antibacterial properties against E. coli, S. Typhi, S. dysenteriae, and V. cholerae [PMID:41148731].

Safety & adverse effects

Acute toxicity studies of 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone in mice included examinations of liver and kidney functions and histopathology [PMID:38521901].

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists entirely of in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo animal models (Level D). There are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 25738951 (2016) — Inhibitory effect of mammea E/BB from Mammea siamensis seed extract on Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression in a K562 leukaemic cell line. · Natural product research
2.PMID: 12027761 (2002) — Mammea coumarins from the flowers of Mammea siamensis. · Journal of natural products
3.PMID: 28573218 (2017) — EFFECT OF THAI SARAPHI FLOWER EXTRACTS ON WT1 AND BCR/ABL PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN LEUKEMIC CELL LINES. · African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM
4.PMID: 32266216 (2020) — Geranylated Coumarins From Thai Medicinal Plant Mammea siamensis With Testosterone 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity. · Frontiers in chemistry
5.PMID: 27193767 (2016) — Down-regulatory mechanism of mammea E/BB from Mammea siamensis seed extract on Wilms' Tumor 1 expression in K562 cells.

Saraphi

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Saraphi