Mamaya
Mammea americana
Mammea americana, commonly known as the apple-gum tree or false mombin, is a plant native to Central and South America. While its traditional uses are not well-documented in historical or cultural practices, scientific studies have shown promising results. Research indicates that Mammea americana exhibits potential anticancer properties, including antiproliferative and antioxidant effects, with coumarins from the leaves identified as active compounds inhibiting MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in melanoma cells. Additionally, leaf extracts demonstrated high cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity against Ferrisia sp., with methanol extract showing the highest efficacy. The scientific evidence is moderate but suggests potential applications in cancer treatment and pest control. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Mammea americana to date.
- 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