Mamaya
Mammea americana
Mammea americana, also known as the gummy fruit tree or false mombin, is a plant native to Central and South America. While traditional uses of Mammea americana are not well-documented in historical medical practices, recent scientific studies have shown promising results. Research indicates that coumarins from its leaves exhibit antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly against melanoma cells. Additionally, Mammea americana leaf extracts display high cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity, with methanol extract showing the highest efficacy. The scientific evidence suggests potential anticancer actions but is not yet conclusive or widely validated. No major safety concerns have been recorded, and there are no known drug interactions associated with this plant.
- 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
- The study identified coumarins from Mammea americana leaves that inhibit both MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in melanoma cells.
- Moderate ultrasound treatment (60%) significantly enhanced bioactive compound extraction from Mammea americana juice without altering pH or soluble solids.
- This study found that Mammea americana showed promising anticancer actions including antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Mammea americana leaf extracts showed high cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity against Ferrisia sp., with methanol extract demonstrating the highest efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mamaya?
Mamaya (Mammea americana) 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 Mamaya?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Mamaya; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified coumarins from Mammea americana leaves that inhibit both MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in melanoma cells.
How strong is the evidence for Mamaya?
The strongest finding for Mamaya carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Mamaya safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Mamaya in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Mamaya interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Mamaya in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Mamaya?
Mamaya is also known as: Маммея американская, Abricotier des Antilles.
Is Mamaya 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 Phytochemical Profiling, Bioactivity, and Insecticidal Effectiveness of Mammea americana L. Leaf Extracts Against Ferrisia sp. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Coumarins and betulinic acid analogues from Mammea americana and their inhibitory activities on oncogenic MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in human melanoma cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutritional and Phytochemical Profile and Potential Anticancer Benefits of Amazonian Exotic Fruits. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ultrasound-Assisted Enhancement of Bioactive Compounds in Amazonian Fruit Juices (Mammea americana, Solanum Sessiliflorum, and Cassia leiandra). literature abstract metadata