Mandragora
Mandragora
Mandragora is a genus of plants central to various historical medicinal traditions. It has been traditionally employed as a hypnotic, emetic, purgative, sedative, and pain-killing agent. Scientific evidence suggests that Mandragora autumnalis contains phytochemicals with potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and enzyme-inhibitory activities. Specifically, extracts have shown concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on certain cancer cells and anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- hypnotic · emetic
- 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
- hypnotic
- emetic
- purgative
- sedative
- pain-killing
What the science says
- MAE from Mandragora autumnalis showed concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB-231 cells, reducing viability and altering cellular processes linked to metastasis.
- Mandragora autumnalis contains various phytochemicals with pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and enzyme-inhibitory activities.
- MAE-AuNPs showed potential as antioxidant and anticancer agents through radical scavenging activity and effectiveness against cancer cell lines.
- Mandragora autumnalis ethanolic extract showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting protein denaturation, stabilizing cell membranes, and downregulating inflammatory mediators and pathways in macrophages.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mandragora?
Mandragora (Mandragora) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Mandragora traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Mandragora for: hypnotic, emetic, purgative, sedative, pain-killing. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Mandragora?
Mandragora appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Mandragora?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Mandragora; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: MAE from Mandragora autumnalis showed concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB-231 cells, reducing viability and altering cellular processes linked to metastasis.
How strong is the evidence for Mandragora?
The strongest finding for Mandragora carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Mandragora safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Mandragora in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Mandragora interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Mandragora in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Mandragora?
Mandragora is also known as: Мандрагора, Mandragore.
Is Mandragora 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 Mandragora autumnalis Distribution, Phytochemical Characteristics, and Pharmacological Bioactivities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mandragora autumnalis: Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Cancerous Bioactivities on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Mandragora autumnalis: Characterization and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant and Anticancer Bioactivities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Mandragora autumnalis Ethanolic Extract: In Vitro and Cellular Mechanistic Insights. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Mandragora (genus) CC BY-SA 4.0