Wildcrafted Jatoba
Also known as: Jatobá, Jatoba, Courbaril, Hymenaea courbaril
Overview
Jatobá (*Hymenaea courbaril*) is a tree native to the Amazon rainforest and Central America, known for its durable hardwood. The bark, leaves, and seeds of Jatobá have been utilized in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including fungal infections, diarrhea, hepatitis, bronchitis, and coughs. It is rich in phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids like astilbin, contributing to its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Current research primarily focuses on in vitro and in vivo studies, indicating the potential for significant health benefits, but there is limited data from human clinical trials.
Benefits
Jatobá exhibits several evidence-based benefits: 1) Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activity: Leaf extracts displayed substantial activity against *Staphylococcus aureus*, with an inhibitory effect up to 78.29% comparable to conventional antibiotics. 2) Antioxidant Activity: The extracts revealed high antioxidant capacity, reaching values of 834.3 mg BHTE g^-1. 3) Anti-Fungal Activity: Jatobá has shown toxicity against various fungi, making it a candidate for treating infections like athlete's foot. 4) Anti-Inflammatory: The flavonoids in Jatobá may alleviate swelling and irritation. However, the majority of evidence stems from laboratory studies, with few clinical trials to validate these effects on human populations.
How it works
The bioactive compounds in Jatobá, particularly flavonoids and phenolic substances, disrupt microbial cell membranes and biofilms, inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Moreover, Jatobá extracts appear to enhance immune responses while potentially alleviating inflammation, although specific molecular interactions remain largely uncharacterized in existing literature.
Side effects
Jatobá is generally regarded as safe when used in traditional preparations. However, there is limited information about long-term use and potential adverse effects. Common side effects (>5%) are not defined due to a lack of large-scale human studies, and uncommon (<5%) and rare effects (<1%) remain largely unknown. Potential drug interactions with other antimicrobial or antifungal treatments warrant caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers prior to use, and both children and adults should be mindful of high manganese levels in teas, which could exceed safe intake levels.
Dosage
The effective dosage of Jatobá is not well-established in scientific literature. Traditional preparations, such as teas or tinctures, do not have standardized dosages. Laboratory studies indicate effective concentrations for anti-biofilm activity can range from 50 to 1.56 mg mL^-1, but these do not translate directly to dosing in humans. No specific timing is recommended for intake, and while traditional forms like teas and tinctures are common, the bioavailability of compounds in modern supplements is still under-investigated. Caution is advised to prevent excessive mineral intake, particularly manganese.
FAQs
Is Jatobá safe for long-term use?
While considered generally safe, long-term use of Jatobá has not been extensively studied, so caution is advised.
How should Jatobá be taken?
Traditional forms are consumed as needed. Modern supplements may have varying dosage recommendations, always refer to product instructions.
What effects can I expect from Jatobá?
You may experience antimicrobial and anti-fungal effects, but the extent and duration of these benefits in humans are not thoroughly researched.
Can Jatobá replace prescribed medication?
No, Jatobá should not substitute for medical treatments; always consult a healthcare provider for any health condition.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/12/11/1601 – This study demonstrates the antimicrobial properties of Jatobá leaf extracts against *Staphylococcus aureus*, indicating a potential for application in treating infections.
- https://globalhealing.com/blogs/education/fighting-fungus-cleansing-with-jatoba – This article reviews the traditional uses of Jatobá for fungal infections and its antioxidant properties, highlighting its historical significance in herbal medicine.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6610745/ – The article discusses the mineral content of Jatobá, emphasizing the potential risks associated with excess manganese intake, providing essential nutritional insights.
