Know mahogany seeds and a myriad of properties for health: uses, side effects, interactions

Most Indonesians are probably familiar with mahogany, aka mahogany. Mahogany wood is widely used as household furniture, such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and others. However, did you know that besides the wood, mahogany seeds also have a myriad of health benefits.

What are mahogany seeds?

Mahogany seeds are found in mahogany fruit. It is classified as an economical health tonic with benefits equivalent to that of ginkgo biloba and ginseng combined.

Not all countries have this mahogany plant, because the mahogany tree (S. wietenia macrophylla) only grows in countries that have tropical rainforests, which are mostly Asia Pacific countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Honduras and Solomon.

Mahogany fruit has its own uniqueness from the way the fruit hangs on the tree, because almost all the fruit hangs down, but the mahogany fruit hangs up and the stalk is pointed towards the sky, so western countries call it sky fruit (fruit of the sky).

The content contained in mahogany seeds

Mahogany seeds contain various chemicals that are very beneficial for health. At least 3 main ingredients found in mahogany seeds have a big contribution to health, such as:

1. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that contain a lot of plant pigments. Apart from mahogany seeds, flavonoids are also found in ginkgo biloba and stick ali. Flavonoids are beneficial for humans, especially because they are antioxidants that can destroy free radicals and toxins and can increase immunity. The antioxidant enzymes in mahogany seeds are effective in fighting various diseases that are directly or indirectly caused by oxidation, such as accumulation of bad fats (LDL), high blood pressure and heart problems. The health benefits contained in flavonoids are explained as follows:

• Improve blood circulation
• Prevent arterosclerosis
• Prevents fat accumulation in the walls of blood vessels
• Lowering blood cholesterol level
• Reduces the risk of coronary embolism
• Encourages the production of antibodies that can help prevent tissue inflammation
• Relieve pain, stop bleeding, and reduce symptoms caused by external injuries
• Get rid of excess free radicals in the body
• Prevents oxidative reactions in the body

2. Saponins

Saponins are glucose that form soap bubbles when mixed with water. This is a natural soap of plant origin and is known to have hypoglycemic properties when taken orally. We can also find saponins in ginseng, but the saponin content in mahogany seeds is higher. Saponins serve to treat diabetes mellitus, the hypoglycemic effect of saponins is even stronger than generic antidiabetic drugs, especially metformin. Apart from being useful for fighting diabetes, saponins also have other benefits, namely:

• Reduce blood fats and prevent obesity
• Increase endurance and strengthen physical
• Prevent blood platelet aggregation to avoid blood clots
• Treat various health problems caused by allergies, especially asthma.
• Treat erectile dysfunction, especially those related to diabetes.
• Prevent blood clots and insomnia.

3. Alkaloids

One of the greatest benefits of mahogany seeds lies in the alkaloid content. It has been proven that most diseases occur when the pH level of the body is too low. Everything that pollutes the body such as toxins and free radicals is a natural acid. The content of alkaloids is effective for detoxification and prevents oxidation of the body because our bodies become alkaline. An alkaline state in the body can prevent cancer cells from growing.

Benefits of mahogany seeds for various diseases

Let's find out more about the overall efficacy of mahogany seeds on various health problems based on the types of problems below:

• Circulatory system: Useful in reducing conditions of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, seizures, arthritis, varicose veins, blood circulation disorders, etc.
• Immune system: Beneficial in regulating and strengthening the immune system, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, etc.
• Endocrine system (including metabolic problems): Contributes to improving problems with diabetes, infertility, infertility, hyposexuality or lack of sex drive, menstrual pain, etc.
• Respiratory system: Relieves chronic bronchitis, asthma, coughs, etc.
• Nervous system: Relieve sleep disturbances, fatigue, stress, insomnia, migraines, etc.
• Aging: Removes free radicals and reactive oxygen sources.
• Digestive system (including liver, gallbladder, and pancreas): Cure gastrointestinal ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, acute hepatitis, etc.
• Others: Treat allergies, obesity, etc.

How to eat mahogany seeds

Before consuming mahogany seeds, drink 1-2 glasses of water to clean the stomach so that the absorption process will be better. Mahogany seeds can be consumed both before and after meals.

• To maintain a healthy body: Consume one mahogany seed (small / medium size) or one mahogany seed capsule every morning and evening.
• For chronic diseases: Take 2 mahogany seeds (medium size) or 2 mahogany seed capsules every morning, afternoon and evening.

You can either swallow it or bite it into small pieces and then swallow it with water. When you bite into it, you will taste a very bitter taste, but it can accelerate absorption in the body.