FolkKB

American Mangrove

Rhizophora mangle

Rhizophora mangle is a mangrove species utilized within various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as an astringent and for conditions including fever, hemorrhage, asthma, dyspepsia, and various skin or eye complaints. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal properties is currently limited, as existing studies focus primarily on its ecological roles, such as wave height reduction, microbiome composition, and responses to drought or temperature stress. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
astringent · fever
Traditions
TCM · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • astringent TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • leprosy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hemorrhage traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • angina traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • elephantiasis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sores traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • asthma traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • boils traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dyspepsia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • enuresis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • expectorant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • female traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Hybrid designs with narrow mangrove belts in front of seawalls were found to reduce wave heights by 64% compared to unvegetated shorelines, though they did not significantly lower storm surge levels. D PMID
  • The microbiome composition differed significantly between the leaves and roots of Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans. D PMID
  • Extreme drought led to contrasting changes in organic matter composition, with enhanced marine inputs in lower mangrove zones and intensified local plant contributions in upper zones. D PMID
  • Severe tissue damage and reductions in PSII efficiency were associated with temperatures close to Tmax but not Tcrit and T50 in Rhizophora mangle. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is American Mangrove?

American Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is American Mangrove traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record American Mangrove for: astringent, fever, leprosy, bleeding, hemorrhage, angina. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use American Mangrove?

American Mangrove appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about American Mangrove?

4 sourced findings are recorded for American Mangrove; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Hybrid designs with narrow mangrove belts in front of seawalls were found to reduce wave heights by 64% compared to unvegetated shorelines, though they did not significantly lower storm surge levels.

How strong is the evidence for American Mangrove?

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

Is American Mangrove safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does American Mangrove interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of American Mangrove?

American Mangrove is also known as: Ризофора мангле.

Is American Mangrove 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 Extreme drought drives contrasting fates of labile and recalcitrant mangrove soil organic matter. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Modeling the effects of mangrove hybrid infrastructure for coastal flood protection. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 On the relationship between Photosystem II thermotolerance and irreversible heat damage in leaves of Rhizophora mangle. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Uncovering leaf and root microbiomes of mangrove trees in French Guiana. literature abstract metadata

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