Fruit

Tejocote

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Tejocote fruit contains high concentrations of flavonoids including epicatechin (4.32 mg/100mg dry weight) and catechin (9.17 mg/100mg), while the root contains digitalis-like compounds that inhibit sodium-potassium ATPase. The fruit provides antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, but the root can cause dangerous cardiac toxicity mimicking digoxin poisoning.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupFruit

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordwhat is Tejocote

Tejocote — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports cardiovascular health

by improving blood flow, regulating blood pressure, and enhancing arterial flexibility through flavonoids and polyphenols.

Enhances digestive and

gut health via dietary fiber and pectin, promoting regularity and nourishing gut microbiota.

Provides potent antioxidant

and cellular longevity effects by neutralizing oxidative stress and protecting cellular DNA.

Boosts immune function

and respiratory vitality through its rich vitamin C and flavonoid content, reducing inflammation.

Aids in metabolic

and weight management by promoting satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels due to its pectin content.

Demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties

beneficial for managing chronic inflammation throughout the body.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Tejocote (*Crataegus mexicana*) is a fruit-bearing tree indigenous to Mexico and parts of Central America, particularly Guatemala. It thrives in temperate climates, favoring well-drained soils in mountainous regions between 3,000 and 8,000 feet elevation. This culturally significant fruit is valued in functional nutrition for its rich pectin, polyphenol, and vitamin C content.

“Tejocote has been a cornerstone of Mexican traditional medicine and culinary heritage for centuries, revered for its heart-supporting, digestive-enhancing, and immune-boosting properties. Deeply woven into Mexican tradition and seasonal celebrations, it is a fruit of nourishment and remembrance, grounding festive rituals and ancestral healing. Its historical significance underscores its enduring role in holistic wellness.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Studies validate Tejocote's significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, attributed to its rich polyphenol and pectin content. Research highlights its potential for cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory support. Ethnobotanical literature further confirms its widespread traditional use across Mexican highlands and deep cultural integration into traditional medicine.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Dietary fiber (high in pectin) - Vitamin C - Calcium - Iron - Magnesium - Potassium - Polyphenols - Flavonoids

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Tejocote fruit's flavonoids including epicatechin, catechin, and quercetin 3-D-galactoside provide antioxidant effects through free radical scavenging and enhance endothelial function via nitric oxide pathways. The root's digitalis-like compounds inhibit sodium-potassium ATPase at the same binding site as digoxin, increasing intracellular calcium and cardiac contractility. This mechanism also prolongs action potential duration and cardiac refractory period, producing antiarrhythmic effects.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Clinical evidence is limited to case reports documenting cardiac toxicity rather than controlled efficacy trials. Two documented cases showed patients using tejocote root developed sinus bradycardia, Mobitz Type 1 heart block, and falsely elevated digoxin levels on immunoassays. Antioxidant activity is supported only by in vitro DPPH and FRAP assays showing seed extracts have the highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. No randomized controlled trials have validated the cardiovascular or weight loss benefits claimed in traditional use.

Also Known As

Crataegus mexicanaCrataegus pubescensMexican hawthornTejocote root

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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