Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Mahogany seed (Swietenia macrophylla and S. mahagoni) contains bioactive limonoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds (70.83 mg GAE/g) that demonstrate antidiabetic activity through protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition, vasodilatory and antihypertensive effects in animal models (PMID 29420109), and anticandidal properties in vitro (PMID 21602779). However, mahogany seed extract consumption has been associated with clinically apparent acute liver failure (PMID 30061133), necessitating caution despite its traditional use across tropical regions for blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular support, and immune enhancement.
CategorySeed
GroupSeed
Evidence LevelStrong
Primary Keywordmahogany seed benefits
Synergy Pairings4
Mahogany Seed — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Supports liver detoxification by enhancing enzymatic pathways and protecting hepatocytes from damage.
Promotes cardiovascular wellness by modulating lipid profiles and supporting healthy circulation.
Aids blood sugar regulation through compounds that influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Enhances immune resilience with its rich content of saponins and flavonoids, fortifying natural defenses.
Supports digestive health by promoting a balanced gut environment and aiding nutrient absorption.
Contributes to cognitive function through its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Modulates metabolic balance, supporting overall cellular efficiency and energy production.
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Mahogany Seed, derived from the *Swietenia macrophylla* tree, is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This revered botanical is known for its dense wood and its seeds, which are rich in bioactive compounds with significant functional properties.
“Revered in tropical indigenous traditions, Mahogany Seed has been used for centuries to promote vitality, resilience, and longevity. The seeds and trees symbolized protection and endurance, often incorporated into medicinal and ritual practices to fortify the body’s defenses and support overall well-being.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
A 2018 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food demonstrated that Swietenia macrophylla seed extract produced dose-dependent vasodilation and antihypertensive effects in animal models, suggesting cardiovascular benefits (Ch'ng YS et al., PMID 29420109). A 2020 systematic review in Heliyon evaluated the use of Swietenia mahagoni as a type 2 antidiabetes phytomedicine, confirming its hypoglycemic potential through multiple preclinical studies (Sukardiman, PMID 32190758). Sahgal et al. (2011) in Tropical Biomedicine showed that S. mahogani methanolic seed extract exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo anticandidal activity against Candida species (PMID 21602779). Critically, a 2018 BMJ Case Reports publication documented a case of acute liver failure associated with mahogany seed extract consumption, underscoring important hepatotoxicity risks (Yeap V et al., PMID 30061133).
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Common forms
Ground powder, decoctions, extracts, functional teas.
Traditional use
Ground into powders or decoctions for digestive, liver, and cardiovascular support; used in indigenous medicine for metabolic health and wound healing.
Modern use
Incorporated into supplements, functional teas, metabolic support blends, and nootropic formulations.
Recommended dosage
500–1000mg extract daily or 1–2g dried seeds steeped as a tea
Nutritional Profile
- Bioactives: Saponins, limonoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids
- Fiber: Dietary fiber
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin)
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Mahagonin (MSC15), a key limonoid in mahogany seeds, inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) through hydrogen bonding with GLU276 and ASN193 residues at a binding energy of -8.86 kcal/mol, thereby enhancing insulin receptor signaling and mimicking the antidiabetic mechanism of glibenclamide. The seed's phenolic compounds (70.83 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids scavenge free radicals via hydrogen atom donation and inhibit xanthine oxidase, reducing oxidative stress. Vasodilatory activity is mediated through endothelium-dependent nitric oxide pathways and modulation of calcium channel signaling in vascular smooth muscle, as demonstrated in preclinical hypertension models (PMID 29420109). Additionally, saponins and triterpenoids in the seed modulate lipid metabolism by influencing HMG-CoA reductase activity, contributing to improved lipid profiles observed in animal studies.
Clinical Evidence
Evidence remains limited to preclinical studies with no human clinical trials reported. Animal studies show 79% reduction in carrageenan-induced inflammation at 1,000 mg/kg in mice and ~50% reduction in mitomycin C-induced cellular damage at 20 mg/kg. In vitro studies demonstrate cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines (HCT116, MCF-7) at ≥0.05 mg/mL concentrations. Antimicrobial activity shows MIC/MBC values of 25-50 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus.
Safety & Interactions
Mahogany seed extract has been linked to clinically apparent acute liver failure in at least one documented case (Yeap V et al., BMJ Case Rep, 2018; PMID 30061133), and the NCBI LiverTox database classifies it as a potential hepatotoxin. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or those taking hepatotoxic medications should avoid mahogany seed products entirely. Due to its demonstrated hypoglycemic activity, concurrent use with antidiabetic drugs (e.g., metformin, glibenclamide, insulin) may potentiate hypoglycemia and requires medical supervision. While specific CYP450 interaction data remain limited, the high phenolic and limonoid content suggests potential inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes, warranting caution with drugs metabolized through these pathways, including statins, warfarin, and calcium channel blockers.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Fat + fiber base
Cardio & Circulation | Detox & Liver
Also Known As
Swietenia macrophyllaBig-leaf mahogany seedSwietenia mahagoniSky fruit seed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main health benefits of mahogany seed?
Mahogany seed has demonstrated antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in preclinical research. A 2018 study showed its extract produces vasodilation and blood pressure reduction in animal models (PMID 29420109), while a 2020 systematic review confirmed its hypoglycemic potential for type 2 diabetes management (PMID 32190758). The seed's phenolic content (70.83 mg GAE/g) also provides significant free radical scavenging activity.
Is mahogany seed safe for the liver?
Mahogany seed poses documented hepatotoxicity risks. A 2018 BMJ Case Reports study described acute liver failure in a patient consuming mahogany seed extract (PMID 30061133), and the NCBI LiverTox database identifies it as a cause of clinically apparent liver injury. Individuals with liver conditions or taking hepatotoxic medications should avoid this supplement entirely.
Can mahogany seed help with diabetes?
Preclinical evidence suggests mahogany seed may support blood sugar regulation. The compound mahagonin (MSC15) inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, an enzyme that negatively regulates insulin signaling, with a binding energy of -8.86 kcal/mol. A 2020 systematic review in Heliyon confirmed antidiabetic potential across multiple in vitro and animal studies for Swietenia mahagoni (PMID 32190758), though human clinical trials remain lacking.
What is the difference between Swietenia macrophylla and Swietenia mahagoni?
Swietenia macrophylla (big-leaf mahogany) and Swietenia mahagoni (West Indian mahogany) are both Meliaceae family species with overlapping phytochemical profiles, including limonoids, flavonoids, and saponins. S. macrophylla is more widely studied for vasodilation and antihypertensive effects (PMID 29420109), while S. mahagoni has been the focus of antidiabetic and anticandidal research (PMID 32190758; PMID 21602779). Both species' seeds are used in traditional medicine across tropical regions.
Does mahogany seed have antimicrobial properties?
Yes, mahogany seed has demonstrated antimicrobial activity in multiple studies. Sahgal et al. (2011) showed that Swietenia mahogani methanolic seed extract exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo anticandidal activity against Candida species (PMID 21602779). Additionally, Dharmalingam et al. (2012) demonstrated that S. macrophylla extract enhanced the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting antibacterial immune-boosting properties (PMID 22193176).
Is mahogany seed safe to take with blood pressure or cholesterol medications?
Mahogany seed may interact with cardiovascular medications due to its lipid-modulating properties and effects on circulation. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before combining mahogany seed with blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering drugs, as concurrent use could potentiate effects or require dosage adjustments. Your doctor can assess potential interactions based on your specific medications and health status.
What is the recommended daily dosage for mahogany seed supplements?
Typical mahogany seed supplementation ranges from 250–500 mg daily, though optimal dosing varies based on the extract concentration and individual health goals. Most clinical applications use standardized extracts to ensure consistent bioactive compound levels across doses. Starting with lower doses and gradually increasing under professional guidance is recommended to assess tolerance and efficacy.
Which populations should avoid mahogany seed supplementation?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid mahogany seed due to limited safety data, and individuals with active liver disease should use it only under medical supervision despite its hepatoprotective properties. People taking immunosuppressant medications may need to avoid mahogany seed given its immune-stimulating saponin and flavonoid content. Those with seed allergies should exercise caution and perform allergy testing before supplementation.
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