Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Macela (Achyrocline satureioides) is an Amazonian herb containing flavonoids like quercetin and luteolin that provide antioxidant and wound healing properties. The plant's essential oils and phenolic compounds enhance antioxidant enzyme activity and promote collagen synthesis.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupAmazonian
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary KeywordMacela benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Macela (Achyrocline satureioides) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Macela is derived from Achyrocline satureioides, a perennial herb native to subtropical South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The extract is produced by harvesting and drying leaves or inflorescences, grinding them into powder, and extracting with ethanol or water to isolate bioactive compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids.
“Achyrocline satureioides has been used in traditional South American medicine for centuries, particularly among indigenous communities. Historical applications include digestive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, sedative, and hepatoprotective purposes.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the available research. Evidence is limited to in vitro cytotoxicity studies (588-653 μg·mL⁻¹) and animal model research evaluating antioxidant enzyme activity and wound healing parameters.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied human dosage ranges available. Hydroalcoholic extracts contain 12.4 g flavonoids/100 g extract versus 5.6 g/100 g in aqueous extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Not extensively studied; presence suggested but not quantified", "protein": "Not extensively studied; presence suggested but not quantified"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts; specific concentration not well-documented"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "Trace amounts; specific concentration not well-documented", "Iron": "Trace amounts; specific concentration not well-documented"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"\u03b2-caryophyllene": "Present; specific concentration not well-documented", "\u03b1-humulene": "Present; specific concentration not well-documented", "Flavonoids": "Includes quercetin and luteolin; specific concentrations not well-documented"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Bioactive compounds such as flavonoids may have variable bioavailability depending on preparation and individual metabolism. Further studies are needed to quantify and understand the bioavailability of specific nutrients and compounds."}
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Macela's flavonoids, particularly quercetin and luteolin, enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes including catalase and superoxide dismutase while reducing lipid peroxidation markers. The essential oil components promote wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation and increasing collagen type I synthesis. These bioactive compounds also modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for Macela comes primarily from animal studies and in vitro research. Animal studies demonstrated significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced oxidative stress markers in liver tissue. Topical essential oil formulations showed 62% wound contraction rates and enhanced collagen synthesis in rodent wound healing models. Human clinical trials are lacking, limiting the strength of evidence for therapeutic applications in humans.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for Macela is limited due to lack of human studies. Topical applications appear well-tolerated in animal models with no reported adverse effects. Potential allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. No documented drug interactions exist, but caution is advised when combining with anticoagulant medications due to potential wound healing effects. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main active compounds in Macela?
Macela contains flavonoids including quercetin, luteolin, and caffeic acid derivatives, along with essential oils rich in monoterpenes. These compounds are responsible for the plant's antioxidant and wound healing properties.
How effective is Macela for wound healing?
Animal studies show Macela essential oil formulations achieved 62% wound contraction rates and enhanced collagen synthesis. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these wound healing benefits in people.
Can Macela help with oxidative stress?
Animal research demonstrates that Macela significantly increases antioxidant enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase while reducing oxidative stress markers. The flavonoid content appears to enhance the body's natural antioxidant defense systems.
What is the recommended dosage for Macela supplements?
No standardized dosage exists for Macela due to limited human studies. Traditional use involves tea preparations, but supplement dosages vary widely and lack clinical validation for safety and efficacy.
Are there any side effects of taking Macela?
Side effects are not well-documented due to limited human research. Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family may experience reactions, and safety during pregnancy has not been established through clinical studies.
Is Macela safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Macela supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is not recommended during these periods without medical supervision. Traditional use in South American herbalism suggests a long history of use, but modern safety studies specifically evaluating pregnant and lactating populations are lacking. Consult with a healthcare provider before using Macela if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Does Macela interact with common medications like blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs?
Limited clinical data exists on potential drug interactions with Macela, though its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds theoretically could affect medications metabolized similarly or those targeting inflammation pathways. If you are taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or NSAIDs, inform your healthcare provider before adding Macela supplements. Macela's bioactive compounds like β-caryophyllene may compete for similar metabolic pathways, potentially affecting drug efficacy or safety.
What is the difference between Macela essential oil and dried Macela herb extract for health benefits?
Macela essential oil is more concentrated in volatile compounds like β-caryophyllene and has demonstrated superior wound-healing efficacy in animal studies (62% wound contraction), while dried herb extracts provide a broader spectrum of polyphenols and antioxidant compounds. Essential oil formulations are typically more potent but require lower dosages and careful administration, whereas dried extracts offer gentler, more versatile supplementation options. The choice depends on the intended health outcome: essential oil for topical or acute wound support, and dried extracts for general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
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