Loading ...
Jatoba Health Benefits
Jatoba health benefits include anti-inflammatory properties and help in managing prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). The jatoba tree (Hymenaea courbaril) produces a copal resin that is used by traditional medicine practitioners for bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, diarrhea, hepatitis, and prostatitis.
Both the Amazon rainforest and Central America are home to the jatoba tree. According to The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs, jatoba is used in the United States as a natural energy tonic for various conditions, such as prostatitis and bladder infections. Jatoba health benefits also reportedly may include antimicrobial and antibacterial properties against E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus. An added bonus is that jatoba has demonstrated no toxicity. Chemical analysis of jatoba reportedly shows that it includes a wide variety of active compounds, including diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and oligosaccharides, as well as phytochemicals that have been shown to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.
The compounds in jatoba are known to be very resistant to yeast and fungi, which is why some experts have proposed that jatoba may be effective in fighting fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, candida, and nail fungus. In addition, some cases of prostatitis and cystitis are fungal in nature, and so jatoba may be helpful in managing these problems as well.
How To Use Jatoba
No published scientific studies were found to support the medicinal claims for prostatitis, although there is evidence jatoba can help with gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, diarrhea, and vomiting. Among traditional medicine practitioners, jatoba is used as a tea prepared from the bark or in a tincture. A healthcare practitioner should be consulted before taking jatoba.
References
L. Rahalison et al. Screening for Antifungal Activity of Panamanian Plants. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13880209309082921
Rainforest Herbs: http://www.rain-tree.com/jatoba.htm
Rodrigues Orsi P et al. Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne: a Brazilian medicinal plant with gastric and duodenal anti-ulcer and antidiarrheal effects in experimental rodent models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2012 Aug 30; 143(1): 81-90
