Kamala Tree
Also known as: Kamala tree, Kamala, Kampillaka, Kapila, Monkey face tree, Shendri, Mallotus philippinensis
Overview
Mallotus philippinensis, commonly known as Kamala tree, is a perennial shrub or small tree native to South and Southeast Asia, belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Traditionally, it has been utilized in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, primarily for its reddish powder derived from the fruit hairs, as well as extracts from its leaves, bark, and roots. The plant is recognized for its potential anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), purgative, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to a rich profile of bioactive phytochemicals, including cardenolides, flavonoids, tannins, chalcones, and phloroglucinol derivatives. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies support its traditional uses, high-quality human clinical trials are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Mallotus philippinensis exhibits several evidence-backed benefits, primarily demonstrated in preclinical studies. Its most prominent effect is **anthelmintic and purgative activity**, with extracts and powders showing significant efficacy against intestinal parasites like tapeworms and nematodes in animal models, achieving up to 78% lethal effects at 120 mg/kg doses in rats. This is supported by increased fecal output, confirming its purgative action. The plant also demonstrates **anticancer/antiproliferative effects**, as root and fruit extracts inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in human leukemia (HL-60) and monocyte (Thp-1) cell lines, with IC50 values around 1.5 mg/mL for root hexane extracts. Furthermore, it possesses **antibacterial and antioxidant properties**, attributed to its phytochemicals that scavenge free radicals and inhibit microbial enzymes, though some studies lack rigorous MIC data. In vitro studies also indicate **antifilarial and antiparasitic effects** against filarial nematodes. A systematic review highlighted the **scolicidal activity** of Kamala fruit methanolic extracts against hydatid disease, reinforcing its antiparasitic potential.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Mallotus philippinensis are mediated by its diverse phytochemical composition. The **anthelmintic and purgative effects** are primarily attributed to resinous compounds that disrupt the viability of intestinal parasites and stimulate gut motility, leading to their expulsion. **Anticancer effects** are thought to involve the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, potentially through the upregulation of proto-oncogenes like Cdc25A and cyclin D1, and polyphenol-mediated oxidative stress. The **antibacterial and antioxidant properties** are linked to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and other phenolic compounds, which act as free radical scavengers and can interfere with microbial enzyme systems. While these mechanisms are understood at a cellular level, comprehensive bioavailability data for its active compounds in vivo are limited.
Side effects
While animal studies generally report no severe toxicity at tested doses for anthelmintic and purgative uses, the safety profile of Mallotus philippinensis in humans is not well-established due to a lack of comprehensive clinical trials. A significant concern arises from some animal studies indicating potential **adverse reproductive effects** in female rats when administered seed ethereal extracts, suggesting that caution is warranted, particularly during pregnancy. There is currently no comprehensive human safety data, nor are there established drug interaction profiles. Although traditional use implies a degree of tolerability, the absence of rigorous human safety studies means that potential side effects in humans are not well documented. Therefore, its use should be approached with caution, especially in vulnerable populations, until more robust clinical safety data become available.
Dosage
Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, established human dosing guidelines for Mallotus philippinensis are currently unavailable. In animal models, effective doses for anthelmintic and purgative effects have been observed to range from **60 to 120 mg/kg** of body weight. It is important to note that the form of the extract (e.g., fruit powder, root extract) and the specific plant part used can influence potency and efficacy. The timing of administration, absorption characteristics, and any potential cofactor requirements for optimal activity have not been well characterized in humans. Without clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption remain undefined, making it difficult to provide precise recommendations for therapeutic use.
FAQs
Is Kamala safe for human use?
While traditional use suggests some safety, comprehensive clinical safety data for Kamala in humans are lacking. Animal studies indicate potential reproductive risks, so caution is advised, especially during pregnancy.
How quickly do effects appear?
In animal studies, purgative and anthelmintic effects of Kamala typically manifest within hours to a few days following administration.
Can Kamala be used for cancer treatment?
In vitro studies show Kamala's antiproliferative effects on cancer cells. However, there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a cancer therapy in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4109133/ – This study investigated the purgative and anthelmintic activities of Mallotus philippinensis extracts in rats and its anticancer effects on human leukemia cell lines. It found significant purgative and anthelmintic activity in vivo and demonstrated antiproliferative effects on HL-60 cells with an IC50 of approximately 1.5 mg/mL for root hexane extracts, suggesting potential therapeutic applications but highlighting the need for human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9145516/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on herbal medicines with scolicidal activity against hydatid disease, including Mallotus philippinensis. It reported that Kamala fruit methanolic extracts exhibit significant scolicidal efficacy with specific IC50 values, reinforcing its antiparasitic potential based on in vitro studies.
- https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2011/vol3/124.sharma.pdf – This in vitro study demonstrated the antifilarial activity of Mallotus philippinensis against Setaria cervi nematodes. The findings suggest its potential as an antifilarial agent, though further in vivo and human studies are required to confirm these effects.
- https://jrasb.com/index.php/jrasb/article/download/670/619/1630 – This article provides a general overview of Mallotus philippinensis, discussing its traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and various pharmacological activities including antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It supports the plant's broad therapeutic potential based on its rich array of bioactive compounds.