FolkKB

Brazilian Cherry

Hymenaea courbaril

Hymenaea courbaril is a tree species utilized within various traditional medicinal practices. It has been historically applied to address conditions such as asthma, rheumatism, diarrhea, infections, sores, stomach complaints, arthritis, and bronchitis, among others. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests the plant exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant bioactivities, including the inhibition of certain bacterial growth, though more research is required to validate its traditional uses. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
asthma · rheumatism
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • The study found that a standardized liquid extract of Hymenaea courbaril stem bark showed non-toxicity and inhibited bacterial growth of a MRSA isolate. D PMID
  • Hymenaea courbaril showed low plasticity and minimal changes in resource allocation and photosynthetic rates across varying light conditions. D PMID
  • The study found that Hymenaea courbaril could be accurately identified using a compact, low-cost mass spectrometer without chromatographic separation. D PMID
  • Hymenaea courbaril exhibits various bioactivities including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, but more research is needed to validate its traditional uses. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Brazilian Cherry?

Brazilian Cherry (Hymenaea courbaril) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Brazilian Cherry traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Brazilian Cherry for: asthma, rheumatism, catarrh, diarrhea, infections, sores. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Brazilian Cherry?

Brazilian Cherry appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Brazilian Cherry?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Brazilian Cherry; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that a standardized liquid extract of Hymenaea courbaril stem bark showed non-toxicity and inhibited bacterial growth of a MRSA isolate.

How strong is the evidence for Brazilian Cherry?

The strongest finding for Brazilian Cherry carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Brazilian Cherry safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Brazilian Cherry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Brazilian Cherry interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Brazilian Cherry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Brazilian Cherry?

Brazilian Cherry is also known as: Ятоба, Courbaril.

Is Brazilian Cherry 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Plasticity on the spectrum: photosynthetic induction of tropical forest tree species in contrasting light conditions. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Assessment of cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of Hymenaea courbaril L. stem barks extract. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Chemical and Biological Properties of Hymenaea courbaril L.: A Review. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Real-Time Wood Chemotyping Using a Low-Cost and Compact Mass Spectrometer. literature abstract metadata