Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Indian Mast Tree Leaf (Polyalthia longifolia) contains bioactive alkaloids like compound 3A (likely liriodenine) and clerodane diterpenoids that reduce COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB expression while inducing anti-inflammatory HO-1 pathways. These compounds demonstrate hepatoprotective effects with 87.5% inhibition in liver tissue at 250 mg/kg in animal studies.
CategoryLeaf & Herb
GroupLeaf/Green
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordindian mast tree leaf benefits
Synergy Pairings4
Indian Mast Tree Leaf — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
**Supports immune resilience**
through its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, protecting against infections.
**Promotes liver health**
via hepatoprotective effects, enhancing detoxification and bile production.
**Contributes to skin**
wellness by enhancing collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation.
**Supports cardiovascular wellness**
by improving circulation and reducing arterial inflammation.
**Aids metabolic balance**
through the regulation of blood sugar levels and stress responses.
**Promotes cognitive clarity**
and emotional balance through its adaptogenic effects.
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Monoon longifolium, commonly known as Indian Mast Tree, is an evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It is traditionally valued for its distinctive foliage and medicinal properties. Its leaves offer significant functional benefits for immune resilience and detoxification.
“Indian Mast Tree Leaf holds deep cultural and historical significance in Indian traditions, revered for its protective, detoxifying, immune-boosting, and skin-healing properties. It is associated with resilience, vitality, and spiritual purity, reflecting its long-standing use in Ayurvedic medicine.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Research, including in vitro and animal studies, supports the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties of Indian Mast Tree Leaf. Studies also indicate its potential for skin healing, cardiovascular support, and metabolic balance. These findings align with traditional Ayurvedic uses, though further human clinical trials are needed.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Common forms
Dried leaves for teas/decoctions, standardized extract, topical applications.
Preparation (tea)
Steep 1-2 grams of dried leaf in hot water.
Dosage (extract)
300-500 mg of standardized extract daily
Traditional use
Brewed for fever reduction, skin healing, liver detoxification, and immune support.
Topical use
Applied for wound healing and infection control.
Nutritional Profile
- Phytochemicals: Flavonoids, Polyphenols (antioxidant), Alkaloids, Saponins (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective), Tannins (digestive wellness, liver detoxification), Lignans, Terpenoids (adaptogenic, metabolic support).
- Vitamins: Vitamin C.
- Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Key alkaloid compound 3A reduces inflammatory mediators COX-2, iNOS, NF-κBp65, and gp91phox expression while boosting anti-inflammatory HO-1 enzyme activity. Clerodane diterpenoid compound 36 inhibits LPS-induced nitric oxide, PGE2, TNFα, and NF-κB in immune cells. Additional alkaloids induce p-ERK-1/2 and p-p38 MAPK pathways via reactive oxygen species for anticancer effects.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence is limited to in vitro and animal studies, with no human clinical trials reported. In cancer cell studies, leaf extracts showed cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 6.1 μg/ml (SW-620 colon cells) to 68.22 μg/ml (HeLa-B75 cells). Animal hepatoprotective studies demonstrated 87.5±1.8% inhibition in liver tissue at 250 mg/kg oral dosing. Antioxidant activity showed DPPH scavenging with IC50 values of 18.14-0.5824 mg/ml, though human efficacy and safety remain unestablished.
Safety & Interactions
No specific human safety data, drug interactions, or contraindications are established in current research. Animal studies report low toxicity at tested hepatoprotective doses, but this cannot guarantee human safety. The potent cytotoxic and enzyme-inhibiting properties, including acetylcholinesterase inhibition, warrant caution for potential interactions with medications or in sensitive populations. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to lack of safety data and potential ROS-inducing effects.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Polyphenol/antioxidant base
Immune & Inflammation | Cardio & Circulation
Also Known As
Polyalthia longifoliaMonoon longifoliumMast TreeAshok TreeFalse AshokaIndian OakDevadaruBuddha Tree
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main active compounds in Indian Mast Tree Leaf?
The primary bioactive compounds include alkaloids (compound 3A likely being liriodenine, plus 5F, 5A, 5G), clerodane diterpenoids (compound 36, 16-oxocleroda-3,13(14)E-dien-15-oic acid methyl ester), and various phenolics and flavonoids. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities through multiple molecular pathways.
Is Indian Mast Tree Leaf safe for human consumption?
Currently, no human clinical trials have established safety profiles for Indian Mast Tree Leaf supplements. While animal studies show low toxicity at tested doses, the potent bioactive compounds and lack of human data make safety uncertain. Professional medical guidance is essential before use, especially for those on medications or with health conditions.
How effective is Indian Mast Tree Leaf for liver health?
Animal studies demonstrate significant hepatoprotective effects, with compound 3A showing 87.5±1.8% inhibition of liver damage at 250 mg/kg oral dosing. Leaf extracts successfully reversed CCl4-induced liver damage in rats through both biochemical and histological improvements. However, human clinical efficacy remains unproven without controlled trials.
Can Indian Mast Tree Leaf help with cancer treatment?
In vitro studies show promising anticancer activity against multiple cell lines, including SW-620 colon cells (IC50 6.1 μg/ml) and HL-60 leukemia cells through mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Alkaloids induce cancer cell death via p-ERK-1/2 and p-p38 MAPK activation. However, laboratory results cannot be extrapolated to human cancer treatment without extensive clinical trials.
What is the difference between Polyalthia longifolia and Monoon longifolium?
Polyalthia longifolia and Monoon longifolium represent the same plant species, with Monoon longifolium being the updated taxonomic classification following recent botanical revisions. Both names refer to the Indian Mast Tree, though research literature may use either scientific name interchangeably depending on publication date and taxonomic preferences.
Is Indian Mast Tree Leaf safe to take with blood pressure or heart medications?
Indian Mast Tree Leaf contains compounds that may affect cardiovascular function and blood circulation, so it could potentially interact with antihypertensive or cardiac medications. You should consult your healthcare provider before combining it with blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, or other cardiovascular drugs to avoid unwanted interactions. Individual responses vary based on dosage and existing health conditions.
What is the recommended daily dosage of Indian Mast Tree Leaf, and when should I take it?
Typical dosages of Indian Mast Tree Leaf extract range from 250–500 mg daily, though optimal amounts depend on the form (leaf powder, standardized extract, or tea) and individual health goals. Taking it with meals can improve absorption and reduce potential gastrointestinal irritation, though some prefer it on an empty stomach for maximum bioavailability. Always start with lower doses and gradually increase while monitoring your body's response.
What does current clinical research reveal about Indian Mast Tree Leaf's effectiveness?
While traditional use supports its antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, clinical human trials remain limited, with most evidence coming from in vitro and animal studies. Preliminary research shows promise for liver support and immune function, but larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy and optimal dosing in humans. The ingredient shows potential but should not be viewed as a proven substitute for conventional medical treatments based on current evidence.
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