# Screw Pine

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/screw-pine
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Leaf/Green
**Also Known As:** Pandanus tectorius, Pandanus fascicularis, Fragrant Screw Pine, Kewda, Pandan, Screwpine

## Overview

Screw Pine (Pandanus species) contains bioactive compounds including panduratin A/B flavonoid glycosides, patanol, and phenolic acids that provide [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through free radical scavenging mechanisms. The plant demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity comparable to low-dose ibuprofen in animal studies, with DPPH scavenging rates of 64.27% at 35 mg/mL.

## Health Benefits

- **Provides [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)**: through phenolic compounds, neutralizing free radicals and supporting cellular integrity.
- **Offers [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) support**: via bioactive constituents that help soothe muscular discomfort and joint inflammation.
- **Supports [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)**: through dietary fiber and prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut flora and ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
- **Enhances [liver detox](/ingredients/condition/detox)ification**: by activating enzymatic pathways via polyphenolic compounds.
- **Regulates blood sugar**: levels by enhancing [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucose metabolism.
- **Strengthens [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)**: with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory bioactives.

## Mechanism of Action

Screw Pine's bioactive compounds work through multiple pathways: panduratin A/B flavonoid glycosides scavenge free radicals via DPPH mechanisms while reducing IL-6 [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release. Patanol binds to GABA-A receptors providing anxiolytic effects, while naringenin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase for lipid regulation. Monoterpenoids and flavonoids stabilize cellular membranes and reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through membrane protection mechanisms.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence derives exclusively from in vitro and animal studies, with no human clinical trials available. In vitro DPPH assays showed 64.27% [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing at 35 mg/mL (IC50: 9.25 mg/mL), though this was inferior to vitamin C (92.3%). Animal studies demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects comparable to low-dose ibuprofen in carrageenan-induced paw edema models. Cell-line studies on MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 210.4-334.2 μg/mL, though significantly weaker than tamoxifen controls.

## Nutritional Profile

- Carbohydrates & Natural Sugars
- Dietary Fiber & [Prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s
- Vitamins: A (as Carotenoids), C, E
- Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus
- Phytochemicals: Carotenoids (Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin), Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Phytosterols, Tocopherols

## Dosage & Preparation

- Culinary use: Fruit consumed fresh, cooked with coconut milk, or dried and powdered for desserts and beverages. Leaves used to wrap food or infuse dishes with aroma.
- Traditional use: Roots prepared as herbal teas; leaves used as remedies for fever, wounds, and digestive discomfort.
- Modern forms: Found in [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)-rich powders, metabolic supplements, [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) formulas, and [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity)-focused botanical extracts.
- Suggested dosage: 1–2 tablespoons of fresh fruit pulp or 1–2 teaspoons of pandan extract or tea per serving, 1–2 servings daily.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal safety studies or drug interaction data exist in the scientific literature, representing a significant knowledge gap. Traditional use includes teas without reported adverse effects, but clinical toxicology remains undocumented. Theoretical interactions may include estrogen pathway modulation due to lignans like sesamin, and potential interference with statin medications through HMG-CoA reductase inhibition by naringenin. Pregnancy and lactation use should be avoided due to possible hormonal effects and insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

Scientific studies validate Screw Pine’s [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, highlighting its rich phenolic content. Research also supports its use in [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), demonstrating its capacity to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort and improve gut health. Further studies reference its [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and immune-modulating properties.

## Historical & Cultural Context

For centuries, Screw Pine has been revered in Polynesian, Ayurvedic, and Southeast Asian traditions for its nutritional, medicinal, and structural versatility. Indigenous communities have used the plant for sustenance, healing, textiles, and construction. The fruit and leaves remain culturally symbolic, representing prosperity, health, and resilience in many island and coastal societies.

## Synergistic Combinations

Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base
Intention: Cardio & Circulation | Cognition & Focus | Gut & [Microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) | Immune & [Inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)
Primary Pairings: - Camu Camu
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Pineapple
- Lemongrass

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main active compounds in Screw Pine?

Screw Pine contains panduratin A/B flavonoid glycosides, patanol (an aliphatic alcohol), phenolic acids including caffeic and gallic acid, and monoterpenoids like α-pinene and β-pinene. The concentration and profile vary significantly between different Pandanus species and plant parts used.

### How effective is Screw Pine for antioxidant protection?

In vitro studies show Screw Pine achieves 64.27% free radical scavenging at 35 mg/mL with an IC50 of 9.25 mg/mL. However, this antioxidant activity remains significantly weaker than synthetic antioxidant BHT (83.7%) and vitamin C (92.3%) at equivalent concentrations.

### Are there any clinical trials on Screw Pine?

No human clinical trials exist for Screw Pine, with all current evidence limited to laboratory and animal studies. Researchers consistently emphasize that clinical trials are essential to validate the preliminary in vitro and animal findings before therapeutic applications.

### What's the difference between Pandanus species used medicinally?

Different Pandanus species contain varying bioactive profiles: P. utilis provides panduratin flavonoids and anti-inflammatory compounds, P. fascicularis contains patanol with GABA-A receptor activity, while P. odoratissimus offers higher concentrations of quercetin and kaempferol. Geographic location also affects compound concentrations within the same species.

### Can Screw Pine interact with medications?

While no documented drug interactions exist, theoretical concerns include potential interference with statin medications due to naringenin's HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and possible estrogen pathway modulation from lignans like sesamin. Formal interaction studies have not been conducted, creating uncertainty for concurrent medication use.

### Is Screw Pine safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While Screw Pine has traditional use in various cultures, there is limited clinical research on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precaution, pregnant and nursing women should consult with their healthcare provider before supplementing with Screw Pine, as some of its bioactive constituents have not been extensively studied in these populations. The anti-inflammatory and digestive properties are generally considered safe for non-pregnant adults when used appropriately.

### What is the recommended daily dosage of Screw Pine supplement?

There is no established standardized dosage for Screw Pine supplements, as clinical dosing studies are limited. Typical supplement products may range from 250–500 mg per serving, though optimal dosing depends on the extract type and concentration of active compounds. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage on the product label and consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

### Who benefits most from Screw Pine supplementation?

Screw Pine may be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking antioxidant support, those with inflammatory joint or muscle discomfort, and people looking to support digestive and gut health through prebiotic fiber. Adults with age-related oxidative stress and those interested in liver support may also find value in Screw Pine supplementation. However, those with known sensitivities to tropical fruits or existing liver conditions should seek professional medical advice before use.

## References

Research links: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/all/?term=Screw+Pine+Fruit; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/search?query=Screw+Pine+Fruit | Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Screw+Pine+Fruit
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24593745; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.051; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814615005662

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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