Avicennia marina

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Avicennia marina

Product Name: Авиценния морская, Avicennia marina, Grauer Mangrovenbaum, Avicennia, Mangle blanco, Avicennia, أفيسينيا بحرية, แสมทะเล, Авиценния марина, Авиценния марина, Avicennia marina, Авиценния марина, Авиценния марина, Avicennia marina, Авиценния марина, אביצניה ימית

Synonyms: Grey mangrove tree, White mangrove, Grey mangrove, Grauer Mangrovenbaum, Weißer Mangrovenbaum, Mangle blanco, Mangle gris, Mangle blanco de mar, Avicennia gris, Avicennia de mar, [أفيسينيا رمادية, أفيسينيا شاطئية]{dir="rtl"}, แสมขาว, แสมทะเล, แสมป่า.

Parts Used: leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, roots, flowers, pneumatophores.

Main Indications for Use of Avicennia marina: acute and chronic bacterial skin infections, dermatophytoses, skin candidiasis, pyoderma, microbial eczema, trophic ulcers of lower extremities, gingivitis, periodontitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, viral keratitis, acute and chronic gastroenteritis, infectious diarrhea, chronic colitis, helminthiasis, inflammatory liver diseases, viral hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammatory respiratory diseases, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis.

Main Indications for Use of Avicennia marina in Mixtures and Therapeutic Complexes: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose trophic ulcer, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, viral upper respiratory infections, COVID-19, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Main Pharmacological Properties of Avicennia marina: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, antitumor, analgesic, spasmolytic, mucolytic, bronchodilatory, cytotoxic, antirheumatic.

Dosage of Pharmacological Forms — Avicennia marina

Powder — Avicennia marina

Indications (Powder): acute bacterial skin infections, dermatophytoses, skin candidiasis, pyoderma, microbial eczema, trophic ulcers of lower extremities, acute and chronic gastroenteritis, infectious diarrhea, chronic colitis, inflammatory liver diseases, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, gout.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally 1–2 grams of powder 2 times a day, taken with warm water or milk, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally 3 grams 2 times a day for chronic colitis, trophic ulcers, pronounced hyperglycemia; use no more than 10 days consecutively.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally 4 grams 2 times a day for purulent-inflammatory skin lesions, severe forms of pyoderma; course no more than 7 days under medical supervision.

Prophylactic Dosage (Powder): orally 1 gram once a day for patients with chronic hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes; preventive course — 20 days every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 7 years and weighing more than 25 kg — 0.5 grams 1–2 times a day; for younger children and weight less than 25 kg — usage data not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 7 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): with overdose, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%, for weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): wash leaves and bark of the plant with running water, dry at temperature not above 45 °C until brittle, grind into powder to particle size less than 0.3 mm; for 100 grams of finished powder take 120 grams of dry plant material (mass will reduce to 100 grams during drying), grind in a stainless steel mill, sieve, pack in dark airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a tightly sealed container of dark glass or multi-layer laminated material at temperature 15–25 °C, in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 24 months, after opening the package — use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Avicennia marina

Indications (Dry Extract): acute bacterial skin infections, skin candidiasis, pyoderma, microbial eczema, trophic ulcers of lower extremities, acute and chronic gastroenteritis, chronic colitis, inflammatory liver diseases, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, gout, arthritis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 200–400 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 500 milligrams 2 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin and joint diseases, course application — up to 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 600 milligrams 2 times a day for severe skin infections, under medical supervision, course no more than 7 days.

Prophylactic Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 200 milligrams once a day for patients with chronic hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes; preventive course — 20 days every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 7 years and weighing more than 25 kg — 100 milligrams 1–2 times a day; for younger age groups usage data not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, gastric ulcer; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 7 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): with overdose, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%, for weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): dry leaves and bark to size 3–5 mm, pour 70% ethanol in ratio of raw material to extractant 1:8, infuse for 72 hours at room temperature with daily stirring; filter, evaporate ethanol on water bath at temperature not above 50 °C until complete disappearance of solvent smell (residual ethanol content no more than 500 ppm), thicken extract dry in drying oven at 45 °C to powdery state; to obtain 100 grams of dry extract, use 800 grams of dry plant material.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a tightly sealed container of dark glass or laminated material at temperature 15–25 °C, in a dry place, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 24 months, after opening the package — use within 90 days.

Alcohol Tincture — Avicennia marina

Indications (Tincture): acute bacterial skin infections, skin candidiasis, pyoderma, microbial eczema, trophic ulcers of lower extremities, gingivitis, periodontitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, acute and chronic gastroenteritis, infectious diarrhea, chronic colitis, inflammatory liver diseases, hyperlipidemia, gout, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally 20–30 drops, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals; course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally 35–40 drops 2 times a day for trophic ulcers, chronic colitis, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis; course 10–14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally 45 drops 2 times a day for severe skin and joint infections under medical supervision; course no more than 7 days.

Prophylactic Dosage (Tincture): orally 15–20 drops once a day for patients with chronic hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, gout; preventive course — 20 days every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children over 12 years and weighing more than 40 kg — 5–10 drops 1–2 times a day, pre-diluted in water; for younger children — usage data not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, alcoholism, severe liver failure, acute gastritis, gastric ulcer; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 12 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): with overdose, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 15%, for weight above 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Tincture): grind dry leaves and bark to size 3–5 mm, place in glass container, pour 70% ethyl alcohol in ratio 1:10 (100 grams of raw material per 1 liter of alcohol), infuse for 14 days at room temperature, shaking daily; filter, store in dark glass container; alcohol is used only as extractant, not fully removed in the finished preparation as the form is a tincture.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in dark airtight glass container at temperature 10–20 °C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 36 months, after opening the package — use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Avicennia marina

Indications (Oil Infusion): bacterial skin infections, skin candidiasis, pyoderma, microbial eczema, trophic ulcers of lower extremities, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammatory respiratory diseases, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis (as part of complex therapy).

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally apply to affected skin areas in a thin layer 2 times a day; for joint diseases — rub into joint area 1–2 times a day

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): for extensive skin lesions or pronounced joint pain apply 3 times a day, course no more than 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): up to 4 times a day for severe inflammatory skin or joint processes under medical supervision, course — up to 7 days

Prophylactic Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply to skin once a day for 10 days every 2 months for patients with chronic dermatoses or arthritis in remission

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): for children over 6 years — apply once a day to small skin areas; data on use in younger children not scientifically registered

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, allergic reactions to coconut oil; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 6 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): with overdose or excessive application, skin irritation, itching, erythema possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: not required as the preparation is for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): grind dry leaves and bark to size 3–5 mm, place in glass container, pour 100% unrefined coconut oil in ratio 1:5 (100 grams of raw material per 500 grams of oil), heat on water bath at temperature 50 °C for 4 hours, stirring occasionally; filter through cotton cloth, pour into dark glass container, seal tightly

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in dark airtight glass container at temperature 10–20 °C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 12 months, after opening — use within 60 days.

Cream — Avicennia marina

Indications (Cream): bacterial skin infections, skin candidiasis, microbial eczema, pyoderma, dermatophytoses, trophic ulcers of lower extremities, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, first- and second-degree burn wounds, skin cracks, chronic varicose dermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply to affected skin areas in a thin layer 2 times a day, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply 3 times a day for pronounced inflammation and pruritic dermatosis; course no more than 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): apply up to 4 times a day for severe inflammatory skin processes, under medical supervision, course no more than 10 days.

Prophylactic Dosage (Cream): apply once a day for 7–10 days every 2 months for patients with chronic dermatoses in remission or prone to skin infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): for children over 3 years — apply a thin layer once a day; for younger ages usage data not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance, acute purulent-inflammatory processes with copious exudate; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 3 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Cream): with overdose, skin irritation, itching, erythema possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: not required as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Cream): to prepare 100 grams of cream: dry leaf extract of Avicennia marina — 5 g, unrefined coconut oil — 30 g, beeswax — 8 g, shea butter — 20 g, distilled water — 35 g, emulsifier (natural, e.g., lecithin) — 2 g; in a water bath at temperature not above 70 °C melt oils and wax, mix with lecithin, in a separate container heat water to 70 °C, slowly pour aqueous phase into oil phase, mixing intensively until emulsion forms; introduce dry extract, mix until homogeneous, cool at room temperature, package into dark glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): in dark airtight container at temperature 5–10 °C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 6 months, after opening — use within 30 days.

Lotion — Avicennia marina

Indications (Lotion): bacterial skin infections, microbial eczema, skin candidiasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritic dermatoses, sunburn, post-acne, skin hyperpigmentation, skin photoaging.

Standard Dosage (Lotion): apply to affected areas or entire skin surface with a cotton pad 1–2 times a day, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Lotion): apply 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory processes and itching; course no more than 10–14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Lotion): apply up to 4 times a day for acute inflammatory skin lesions and burns under medical supervision; course no more than 7 days.

Prophylactic Dosage (Lotion): apply once a day for 7 days every 2 months for patients with chronic dermatoses or prone to skin photodamage.

Pediatric Dosage (Lotion): for children over 6 years — apply once a day to limited skin areas; for younger age usage data not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Lotion): individual intolerance, weeping forms of dermatoses with copious exudate; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 6 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Lotion): with overdose, skin irritation, itching, erythema possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: not required as the preparation is for external use.

Preparation method (Lotion): to prepare 100 grams: dry aqueous leaf extract of Avicennia marina — 2 g, distilled water — 92 g, plant-derived glycerin — 5 g, natural preservative (grapefruit seed extract) — 1 g; in a sterile container mix water and glycerin, dissolve extract, add preservative, mix until homogeneous, filter through a sterile filter, pour into dark spray bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Lotion): store in dark airtight container at temperature 5–15 °C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 6 months, after opening — use within 30 days.

Essence (Serum) — Avicennia marina

Indications (Serum): bacterial skin infections, microbial eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, skin hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skin photoaging, acne, post-acne, dry skin, impaired skin barrier.

Standard Dosage (Serum): apply to clean facial or body skin 1–2 times a day, 3–5 drops, evenly distributing over skin surface, course 21–28 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): apply 2–3 times a day for pronounced skin dryness, post-acne, photodamage, hyperpigmentation; course no more than 14–21 days.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): apply up to 4 times a day for acute need to restore skin barrier after dermatological procedures (chemical peel, laser resurfacing) under specialist supervision; course no more than 7 days.

Prophylactic Dosage (Serum): apply once a day at night for 14 days every 3 months for patients with chronic dermatoses in remission, prone to photoaging or hyperpigmentation.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): for children over 12 years — apply once a day, 1–2 drops to local skin areas; for younger age usage data not scientifically registered.

Contraindications (Serum): individual intolerance, acute purulent-inflammatory skin processes with copious exudate; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 12 years not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Serum): overdose or excessive application, skin irritation, itching, erythema possible.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: not required as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Serum): to prepare 100 grams: dry aqueous-glycerin leaf extract of Avicennia marina — 5 g, distilled water — 80 g, plant-derived glycerin — 10 g, aloe vera gel — 4 g, natural preservative (grapefruit seed extract) — 1 g; in a sterile container mix water and glycerin, add aloe vera, dissolve extract, introduce preservative, mix until completely homogeneous, filter through a sterile filter, pour into dark bottles with dropper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): store in airtight dark container at temperature 5–10 °C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 6 months, after opening use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Avicennia marina

Currently, there are no registered data on specific LD₅₀ values for Avicennia marina (neither for its powder nor for other preparations) in scientific literature or toxicological study reports. Research dedicated to acute toxicity (LD₅₀) of this taxon is absent in available databases.

Only isolated publications on the safety of external use and cosmetic concentrations of mangrove extracts for skin are noted, which do not demonstrate pronounced toxicity at standard concentrations and usage regimens. However, no strict quantitative data (e.g., LD₅₀ in mg/kg) are presented.

Reference to a review including general information on safety of mangrove extracts (including Avicennia marina) in cosmetic and pharmacological studies: https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Pharmacodynamics of Avicennia marina

The pharmacodynamic properties of Avicennia marina are determined by a complex of biologically active compounds including flavonoids, iridoids, terpenoids, sterols, phenolic acids, saponins, and tannins. Experimental studies have shown that plant extracts possess pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, realized through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, reduced activity of cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases, and suppression of mediator release from mast cells. At the cellular level, membrane stabilization and reduced lipid peroxidation are observed.

Antioxidant action is associated with the high ability of Avicennia marina components to neutralize free radicals and restore activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. This contributes to protection of cellular structures from oxidative stress, maintenance of cell membrane integrity, and regulation of apoptosis processes.

Plant extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast and mold fungi. Mechanisms include damage to bacterial membranes, disruption of cell wall permeability, and inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis. Additionally, antiviral action has been demonstrated, due to suppression of viral genome replication and inhibition of viral enzyme activity.

Influence on the immune system manifests as a modulating effect: stimulation of macrophage phagocytic activity, enhancement of lymphocyte proliferation, and increased immunoglobulin production. This allows considering Avicennia marina as a source of natural immunomodulators.

With external use, active substances exert wound-healing and regenerative action through stimulation of fibroblast proliferation, activation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and improved microcirculation in damaged tissues.

Hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects have also been identified, which are realized through activation of enzyme systems involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as increased tissue sensitivity to insulin.

Data on influence on the nervous system indicate the presence of mild sedative and analgesic action, associated with effects on neurotransmitter metabolism, including GABAergic and serotonergic regulation.

Collectively, these effects allow classifying Avicennia marina as a multifunctional plant source of biologically active substances with systemic and local action on various body targets, including the immune, skin, musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems.

Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Pharmacokinetics of Avicennia marina

Data on pharmacokinetics of Avicennia marina are limited, however it is known that with oral intake flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other hydrophilic compounds are absorbed in the proximal sections of the small intestine with the participation of active transport and passive diffusion. Lipophilic components, such as terpenoids and sterols, undergo emulsification by bile acids and are absorbed mainly in the ileum.

With transdermal application, penetration of active substances occurs through the epidermal barrier, predominantly via the intercellular route, with accumulation in the stratum corneum and gradual diffusion into the dermis. Use of oil carriers, for example coconut oil, enhances transdermal absorption of lipophilic fractions.

Distribution of active substances after absorption depends on their polarity: polar compounds primarily circulate in plasma in free form or as conjugates with glucuronic and sulfuric acid, while non-polar ones accumulate in adipose tissue, cell membranes, and some lipid-rich organs.

Metabolism occurs in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, as well as in intestinal microflora, which can modify phenolic and terpene compounds, increasing their bioavailability or altering pharmacological activity. For a number of components, formation of biologically active metabolites is characteristic, which contribute to the overall effect.

Elimination of metabolites and unchanged compounds occurs predominantly with bile and urine, to a lesser extent through skin with sweat and through lungs as volatile components. Water-soluble metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys, while lipophilic ones — through bile with subsequent excretion in intestinal contents.

With topical application on skin, the main part of active substances acts locally, and systemic absorption is minimal, reducing the risk of systemic effects and interactions. Inhalation exposure is possible when using essential or volatile fractions, which provides rapid access to systemic circulation through the alveolar membrane.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Avicennia marina

Biological activity of Avicennia marina is due to a complex of polyphenols, flavonoids (including apigenin, quercetin), triterpenes, iridoids, sterol compounds, and phenolic acids. These substances influence key enzyme systems of the inflammatory cascade, including cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), leading to reduced synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes responsible for maintaining inflammatory reactions. Polyphenolic components inhibit activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which suppresses expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, reducing migration of neutrophils and macrophages to the inflammation site. Antioxidant effect is realized through direct binding of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as through activation of endogenous antioxidant systems (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), preventing lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage.

Molecular research indicates the ability of Avicennia marina extracts to modulate MAPK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, regulating processes of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Triterpenes and iridoids of the plant interact with glucocorticoid receptors, exhibiting effects similar to endogenous anti-inflammatory hormones, but with a milder action profile. Antimicrobial effect is associated with disruption of microorganism cell membrane integrity, inhibition of nucleic acid and pathogen enzyme synthesis. In vitro studies have shown that plant extracts inhibit growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, through destruction of cell walls and disruption of mitochondrial function in microbial cells. Antiviral activity is due to inhibition of viral proteases and polymerases, preventing viral genome replication.

At the level of skin and connective tissue, Avicennia marina stimulates migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, synthesis of type I and III collagen, as well as glycosaminoglycans, contributing to accelerated tissue regeneration. Plant flavonoids exert a modulating effect on calcium channels, reducing intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in smooth muscle cells, associated with mild spasmolytic effect. Data on targets in the nervous system indicate possible interaction with GABA-A receptors, which may explain sedative and anxiolytic effects with systemic use.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Synergy — Avicennia marina

Scientific research demonstrates that Avicennia marina exhibits pronounced synergistic activity when combined with other taxa containing polyphenolic and terpenoid compounds. In particular, combination of Avicennia marina extracts with Rhizophora mucronata (brown mangrove) showed potentiation of antioxidant effect due to cumulative increase in flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content, leading to more pronounced suppression of lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. In combination with Aegiceras corniculatum, enhanced antimicrobial activity was observed, due to additive action of phenolic acids and saponins of both plants on bacterial cell walls and metabolic enzymes.

In vitro experiments showed that combined use of Avicennia marina with allicin from Allium sativum led to potentiation of inhibition of gram-positive bacterial growth due to combined impact on membrane permeability and enzymatic systems of pathogens. When combined with curcumin from Curcuma longa, a modulating influence on NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades was recorded, leading to synergistic suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Interaction with polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum exhibited immunomodulatory potential through enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage activation, with the effect being potentiating compared to mono-extracts.

At the cellular level, synergy of Avicennia marina with other phyto-components is often realized through joint impact on the same enzyme systems (COX, LOX), receptors (glucocorticoid, GABA-A), and mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), leading to more pronounced modulation of inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative processes. This indicates high prospects for including Avicennia marina in multi-component phyto-compositions considering pharmacodynamic compatibility and targeted potentiation of key biological effects.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Avicennia marina

Avicennia marina is widely distributed in coastal and mangrove ecosystems of East Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Australia, Oceania, and on the coasts of the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Traditionally used in folk medicine of coastal communities in Yemen, Oman, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In Arab and South Asian traditions, decoctions of bark and leaves are used for external and internal purposes, as well as oil macerates for treating skin and joints. In Thai folk medicine, leaves and bark were used in complex herbal mixtures for steam procedures and local applications, and crushed fruits were part of pastes for skin care. In Indian coastal regions, bark was used as infusions for mouth rinsing, and roots — as decoctions for strengthening the body during the rainy season.

In cultures of East African peoples, Avicennia marina is known as a plant associated with protection from evil spirits and used in ritual fumigations. In some regions of Oceania and northern Australia, plant leaves were part of traditional wraps for restoring strength after physical exertion. Historical-ethnographic sources mention that bark and leaves of Avicennia marina were used in coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal at least since the 17th century, reflected in regional herbals and sea travel records. In folklore of several Malay and Indonesian communities, mangrove trees, including Avicennia marina, were considered amulets for houses built near water and symbols of resilience in challenging natural conditions.