Morula
Sclerocarya birrea
Sclerocarya birrea, also known as mbae or marula, is a tree native to sub-Saharan Africa. While it has been traditionally used in various African cultures for its purported medicinal properties, such uses are not well-documented in the literature. Scientific studies have shown that Sclerocarya birrea aqueous extract may increase reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities while reducing inflammatory markers in rats with colitis, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, leaf extracts and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from this plant demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties, with the silver nanoparticles showing selective DPP-IV inhibition and superior cytoprotection against oxidative stress. The stem extract of Sclerocarya birrea has also been found to enhance blood detection at crime scenes without degrading DNA. In Tanzania, it is among the most commonly used plants for treating peptic ulcers. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- 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
- Sclerocarya birrea aqueous extract at 300 and 600 mg/kg increased reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing inflammatory markers in acetic acid-induced colitis rats.
- Sclerocarya birrea leaf extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties, with AgNPs demonstrating selective DPP-IV inhibition and superior cytoprotection against oxidative stress.
- The study found that gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized from Sclerocarya birrea stem extract can enhance blood detection at crime scenes without degrading DNA.
- Sclerocarya birrea was among the most commonly used plants for treating peptic ulcers in Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions
What is Morula?
Morula (Sclerocarya birrea) 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 Morula?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Morula; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Sclerocarya birrea aqueous extract at 300 and 600 mg/kg increased reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing inflammatory markers in acetic acid-induced colitis rats.
How strong is the evidence for Morula?
The strongest finding for Morula carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Morula safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Morula in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Morula interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Morula in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Morula?
Morula is also known as: Марула, Marula.
Is Morula 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 Comparative study of silver and gold nanoparticles derived from Sclerocarya birrea stem extract in forensic blood detection. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anti-Hyperglycemic and Antioxidant Effects of Sclerocarya birrea Leaf Crude Extract and Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles In Vitro. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnobotanical Evidence of Medicinal Plants Used for Peptic Ulcers in Tanzania: A Systematic Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects of Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) trunk bark aqueous extract on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. literature abstract metadata