# Mambog (Hibiscus tiliaceus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/mambog
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-27
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Pacific Islands
**Also Known As:** Hibiscus tiliaceus, Sea hibiscus, Beach hibiscus, Coastal hibiscus, Mahoe, Hau, Linden hibiscus, Cottonwood hibiscus, Native hibiscus, Waru laut, Bebaru

## Overview

Mambog (Hibiscus tiliaceus) is a Polynesian medicinal plant containing bioactive compounds that enhance [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and provide analgesic effects. The methanolic extracts modulate humoral and cellular immunity while ethanolic extracts demonstrate significant pain inhibition in preclinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• [Immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ion: Methanolic leaf extract enhanced humoral and cellular immunity in immunosuppressed rats (preclinical evidence only)
• Pain relief: Ethanolic extracts showed 40.5% (leaf) and 52.07% (bark) writhing inhibition in mice at 500mg/kg (preliminary animal data)
• Antisickling effects: Aqueous leaf extract demonstrated benefits in sickle cell disease models via kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and rutin (in vitro evidence)
• Ulcer protection: Fresh leaf extracts reduced ulcer lesion index in stress-induced rat models (animal studies only)
• Antioxidant activity: Flower extracts showed [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing properties attributed to vitamins and phytosterols (laboratory testing)

## Mechanism of Action

Mambog's [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects occur through enhancement of both humoral antibody production and cellular immune responses via methanolic leaf compounds. The analgesic mechanism involves inhibition of pain pathways, with ethanolic bark extracts showing 52.07% writhing inhibition compared to 40.5% for leaf extracts. Additional antisickling activity suggests interaction with hemoglobin polymerization pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for mambog is limited to preclinical animal studies. [Immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ion research used immunosuppressed rats treated with methanolic leaf extracts, showing enhanced immune parameters. Pain relief studies in mice demonstrated dose-dependent analgesic effects at 500mg/kg, with bark extracts outperforming leaf extracts. No human clinical trials have been conducted to validate these preliminary findings or establish safe effective dosages.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Approximately 3.5g per 100g of leaves", "protein": "Approximately 2.1g per 100g of leaves"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"vitamin_C": "Approximately 25mg per 100g of leaves", "vitamin_A": "Approximately 200 IU per 100g of leaves"}, "minerals": {"calcium": "Approximately 150mg per 100g of leaves", "iron": "Approximately 2.3mg per 100g of leaves"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"kaempferol_3-O-rutinoside": "Present, specific concentration not quantified", "quercetin": "Present, specific concentration not quantified"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of kaempferol and quercetin may be influenced by the presence of dietary fats and the method of preparation. Cooking can reduce vitamin C content significantly."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Animal studies used: 500 mg/kg oral ethanolic extract for pain relief in mice; dose-dependent methanolic extract for [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ion in rats; fresh leaf extracts for ulcer protection. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for mambog supplementation is extremely limited due to lack of human studies. Potential interactions with immunosuppressive medications should be considered given the [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects observed in animal research. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and use should be avoided during these periods. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to immune-enhancing properties.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Mambog. All evidence comes from preclinical studies in animals or laboratory models, including [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ion in Wistar rats, analgesia studies in mice (n=4 per group, PMC4967069), and in vitro antisickling assays. Human safety and efficacy remain unestablished.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Mambog has been used for centuries across Southeast Asian traditional medicine systems in Indonesia, Amboina, Pahang, Indo-China, and Papua New Guinea. Traditional applications include flowers for birth control and skin infections, leaves as poultices for respiratory issues and wounds, and bark/root preparations as diuretics and laxatives.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Rutin, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C, Turmeric

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of mambog extract?

Animal studies used 500mg/kg of ethanolic extracts for pain relief, but human equivalent doses have not been established. No standardized dosage recommendations exist due to lack of clinical trials.

### Is mambog extract safe for immune system disorders?

Mambog enhances immune function in animal studies, which could potentially worsen autoimmune conditions. Individuals with immune disorders should avoid use without medical supervision.

### Which part of mambog plant is most effective?

Bark extracts showed superior analgesic effects (52.07% pain inhibition) compared to leaf extracts (40.5%) in animal studies. Leaves demonstrated stronger immunomodulatory properties in preclinical research.

### Can mambog interact with pain medications?

While no specific interactions are documented, mambog's analgesic properties could potentially enhance effects of pain medications. Consult healthcare providers before combining with prescription analgesics.

### How long does it take for mambog to show effects?

Onset timing for mambog effects in humans is unknown due to lack of clinical trials. Animal studies showed measurable immune enhancement and pain relief within hours of administration.

### What does current research show about mambog's effectiveness for sickle cell disease?

Preclinical studies demonstrate that aqueous leaf extracts of mambog contain kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, a compound that has shown antisickling benefits in laboratory models of sickle cell disease. However, these findings are limited to in vitro and animal studies, and human clinical trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy in actual sickle cell patients. The evidence is promising but not yet sufficient to recommend mambog as a standalone treatment without medical supervision.

### Who should avoid taking mambog supplements?

While mambog has traditional use and preliminary safety data in animal studies, individuals with autoimmune conditions should exercise caution, as the herb's immunomodulatory properties may complicate existing immune dysregulation. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid mambog until human safety studies are completed, as toxicological data in these populations is unavailable. Patients on anticoagulants or those scheduled for surgery should consult a healthcare provider before use due to insufficient safety interaction data.

### What is the difference between mambog leaf and bark extracts for pain relief?

Animal studies show that mambog bark extract demonstrates superior analgesic activity with 52.07% writhing inhibition compared to leaf extract at 40.5% inhibition when tested at equivalent doses (500mg/kg in mice). This difference suggests the bark may contain higher concentrations of pain-relieving compounds, though both parts exhibit activity. However, these comparisons are based solely on preliminary animal research and cannot be directly extrapolated to human pain management without clinical trials.

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