FolkKB

Big Leaf Mahogany

Swietenia macrophylla

Swietenia macrophylla is a tropical hardwood species used in various traditional medicinal practices. It has been traditionally applied to address fever, malaria, chest complaints, neurosis, and wounds, while also serving as an astringent, anodyne, and treatment for alopecia or bleeding. Scientific evidence is limited and varied; some studies suggest the compound swietenine may improve renal function in diabetic rats, and the limonoid swietenolide has shown potential as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor in vitro. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
fever · astringent
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

What the science says

  • Swietenine improved renal function and reduced fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy rats by enhancing autophagy. D PMID
  • This study demonstrates 100% classification accuracy using a compact mass spectrometer for identifying four tropical hardwood species, including Swietenia macrophylla. D PMID
  • The study describes the application of vitrification cryopreservation for Swietenia macrophylla, though specific outcomes are not detailed here. D PMID
  • Swietenia macrophylla's isolated limonoid swietenolide showed potential as an α-glucosidase inhibitor through in vitro and in silico studies. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Big Leaf Mahogany?

Big Leaf Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Big Leaf Mahogany traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Big Leaf Mahogany for: fever, astringent, alopecia, anodyne, bleeding, chest complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Big Leaf Mahogany?

Big Leaf Mahogany appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Big Leaf Mahogany?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Big Leaf Mahogany; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Swietenine improved renal function and reduced fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy rats by enhancing autophagy.

How strong is the evidence for Big Leaf Mahogany?

The strongest finding for Big Leaf Mahogany carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Big Leaf Mahogany safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Big Leaf Mahogany interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Big Leaf Mahogany?

Big Leaf Mahogany is also known as: Acajou.

Is Big Leaf Mahogany 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 Real-Time Wood Chemotyping Using a Low-Cost and Compact Mass Spectrometer. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 In silico and in vitro study for the limonoid isolated from Swietenia macrophylla as potential α-glucosidase inhibitor. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Long-Term Preservation by Cryopreservation Method Swietenia macrophylla King. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Swietenine Enhances Autophagy to Improve Renal Fibrosis via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Nephropathy. literature abstract metadata