cockspurthorn

Maclura cochinchinensis

Maclura cochinchinensis, a plant traditionally not associated with any known medicinal uses in documented traditions, has shown promise in preliminary scientific research. Extracts from its heartwood, particularly those containing resveratrol and oxyresveratrol, have been found to significantly inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells, indicating potential anti-melanogenic properties. Additionally, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts, as well as resveratrol from Maclura cochinchinensis, demonstrated significant cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-migration activities against leukaemic cells, suggesting broad biological effects. The study also synthesized derivatives of toxyloxanthone C and macluraxanthone, some exhibiting cytotoxicity against cancer cells and antibacterial activity. Gram-scale synthesis of lupalbigenin from genistein showed rapid bactericidal activity. To date, no major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.

At a glance
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

  • Maclura cochinchinensis heartwood extracts containing resveratrol and oxyresveratrol significantly inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. D PMID
  • The study found that ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts and resveratrol from Maclura cochinchinensis showed significant cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-migration activities against leukaemic cells. D PMID
  • Lupalbigenin, synthesized from Maclura cochinchinensis, showed rapid bactericidal activity and inhibited biofilm formation. D PMID
  • The study synthesized derivatives of toxyloxanthone C and macluraxanthone from Maclura cochinchinensis, some exhibiting cytotoxicity against cancer cells and antibacterial activity. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is cockspurthorn?

cockspurthorn (Maclura cochinchinensis) 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 cockspurthorn?

4 sourced findings are recorded for cockspurthorn; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Maclura cochinchinensis heartwood extracts containing resveratrol and oxyresveratrol significantly inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells.

How strong is the evidence for cockspurthorn?

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

Is cockspurthorn safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does cockspurthorn interact with medications?

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

Is cockspurthorn 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. T2 Biological activities of extracts and compounds from Thai Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner). literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner Heartwood Extracts Containing Resveratrol and Oxyresveratrol Inhibit Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Total synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of lupalbigenin and isolupalbigenin. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Structural modifications of toxyloxanthone C and macluraxanthone isolated from Maclura cochinchinensis: cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and in silico studies. literature abstract metadata