
|

Cross-section of red mangrove branch
|
Numerous mangrove plants are used in folklore medicine. Extracts from mangroves and mangrove-dependent species have proven effective against human, animal and plant pathogens, but only limited investigations have been carried out to identify the metabolites responsible for their bioactivities.
Skin disorders and sores - including leprosy - may be treated with ashes or bark infusions of certain species of mangrove. Reported to be an astringent, emmenagogue, expectorant, hemostat, styptic and tonic, red mangrove is a folk remedy for angina, asthma, backache, boils, constipation, convulsions, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, elephantiasis, eye ailments, fever, fungal infections, headaches, hemorrhage, inflammation, jaundice, kidney stones, lesions, malaria, malignancies, rheumatism, snakebites, sores, sore throat, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, ulcers and wounds.
A cure for throat cancer by gargling with extract of mangrove bark has been reported by a Cali, Colombia doctor.
More information on the chemical constituents of these plants is needed, not only for the discovery of new drugs, but because such information may be of use to those interested in "deciphering" the value of folklore remedies.