Manchineel
Hippomane mancinella
Hippomane mancinella, commonly known as the manchineel tree, is a traditional plant found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it is known for its toxic properties, which have led to cautionary tales and warnings about its dangers. Scientific studies have shown promising antiplasmodial activity from the seeds with low cytotoxicity in vitro, indicating potential medicinal applications. However, detoxification mechanisms of the fruit by certain fly species like *Anastrepha acris* and *A. ludens* suggest that direct human consumption may be hazardous. A case report describes contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to the tree, with complete resolution after six weeks. The plant contains 18 phenolic compounds in its pulp but lacks Hippomanin A, which is metabolized by fly larvae and adults. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, though direct human use of the fruit remains highly discouraged due to toxicity.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Hippomane mancinella seeds showed promising antiplasmodial activity with low cytotoxicity.
- The study found that both Anastrepha acris and A. ludens exhibit similar detoxification mechanisms, but A. acris has specialized structural resistance allowing it to feed on the toxic Hippomane mancinella fruit.
- The study describes a case of irritant contact dermatitis from the manchineel tree,表现为接触马森尼尔树引起的刺激性接触性皮炎。
- The study identified 18 phenolic compounds in Hippomane mancinella pulp but found no traces of Hippomanin A in larvae or adults, indicating A. acris can metabolize this toxin.
- Ingestion of manchineel fruit typically causes mild symptoms such as abdominal pain and oropharyngeal irritation, with rare cases of more severe complications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Manchineel?
Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Manchineel?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Manchineel; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Hippomane mancinella seeds showed promising antiplasmodial activity with low cytotoxicity.
How strong is the evidence for Manchineel?
The strongest finding for Manchineel carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Manchineel safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Manchineel in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Manchineel interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Manchineel in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Manchineel?
Manchineel is also known as: Манцинелловое дерево, Mancenillier.
Is Manchineel a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Severity of manchineel fruit (Hippomane mancinella) poisoning: A retrospective case series of 97 patients from French Poison Control Centers. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insights into the Interaction between the Monophagous Tephritid Fly Anastrepha acris and its Highly Toxic Host Hippomane mancinella (Euphorbiaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vitro antiplasmodial activity of selected plants from the Colombian North Coast with low cytotoxicity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insights into the differences related to the resistance mechanisms to the highly toxic fruit Hippomane mancinella (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) between the larvae of the sister species Anastrepha acris and Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephri literature abstract metadata
- T2 Beware the Manchineel: A Case of Irritant Contact Dermatitis. literature abstract metadata