The buzzard seed is extracted from the fruits of the tree Swietenia humilis Zucc. The buzzard is an endangered tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family and is also known as mahogany in Costa Rica, and as cobanum and zapatón in Guatemala. In Mexico it is known as venadillo, caobilla, crawl and buzzard..
In Honduras it is called combilla and caugano. It is also known as Pacific mahogany, Honduran mahogany, and sopilocuahuilt. The tree is found in dry areas along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. The seeds have secondary metabolites, associated with some biological activity such as coumarins, flavonoids and triterpenes.
Some of these metabolites could be responsible for the effects attributed to the buzzard seed in traditional Mexican medicine. These include antiviral, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, immunomodulatory, antiulcer, antirheumatic, curative and antioxidant effects..
In its composition there are lipids, proteins and minerals; lipids have similar characteristics to avocado and sunflower oils. The decoction of the raw and dried seed is usually used.
Article index
The seed has the following physicochemical characteristics: 99% dry matter and 1% moisture. It is high in protein (19%) and fat (between 45 and 64%). In addition, it has 1% fiber, 4% ash and 11% nitrogen-free extract.
The density of the seed oil at 28 ° C is around 0.9099 mg per mL. Contains oleic acid in a range from 25.85 to 31.90%; and palmitic acid from 4.99 to 7.28%.
It has 18.45% of saturated fatty acids. Among these, stearic acid (C18: 0) stands out, with an approximate value of 11.39%. Oleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acid (C18: 1cis-9), is on average 29.27%.
The total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids oscillates around 47.50%. These include linoleic acid (C18: 2 cis-9.12, omega 6), with a value of 29.82%; and linolenic acid (C18: 3cis-9, 12.15; omega 3), also known as α-linolenic acid, with an average value of 16.65%, being the most predominant.
The seeds contain at least 11 humilinoids and, due to their similarity in their chemical structures, are included in the group of Mexicanolides. There are also reports that describe the presence of alkaloids.
It is very likely that the analgesic effect observed when ingesting decoctions of the plant has to do with the presence of these compounds.
It contains a tetranorthriterpenoid with the ability to inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. In addition, some researchers have reported the presence of tannins in this species.
- The seeds have an alkaloid that is believed to be very poisonous. Its effects have been discovered in inhibiting the growth of larvae of the mealworm, the corn borer, and the fall armyworm..
- They present insecticidal activity, due to the presence of limonoids in the methanolic extracts of the seeds of Swietenia humilis Zucc.
- The alcoholic extract of S. humilis has shown fungicidal activity in the control in vitro from Rhizopus stolonifer.
Anticancer activity has been attributed to them due to the presence of tetranorthriterpenoids.
- It has a hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect. The inhibition of α-glucosidase allows the normalization of postprandial plasma glucose levels and insulin secretion, due to the decrease in the speed of carbohydrate digestion.
- It is possible to regulate different pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, excess weight and colorectal cancer.
- Strengthens the vascular system, heart, stomach, lungs and liver. Its oleic acid content gives it a beneficial action on blood vessels.
- Indirectly, they prevent cardiovascular diseases that can cause disability or decrease life expectancy. The leading cause of death and morbidity in people with diabetes mellitus has been shown to be cardiovascular disease.
- The decoction has hypolipidemic effects. It can lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels due to its high content of unsaturated fat. Its composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids makes it an ideal nutritional supplement for patients at high risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
- It is recommended as a blood cleanser.
- It is considered invigorating, by increasing the energy and resistance of the body.
- The ethanolic extract of Switenia humillis Zucc has antinociceptive effects, hence its traditional use for the treatment of dental, headache and muscle pain.
- It is used as a spasmolytic. That is, it relieves muscle spasms of the stomach or colic that occur in irritable bowel syndrome.
- Rebuild body tissues.
- Relieves diarrhea, dysentery and amebiasis.
- Other uses attributed to the vulture seed are as a sexual revitalizer, and in increasing the production and quality of sperm.
The usual preparation consists of crushing one to two seeds, dissolving them in 250 mL of water and boiling them for 5 or 10 minutes..
This decoction is then allowed to cool, strain and is ready to be ingested. The effects can be increased by adding a piece of tree bark.
To control blood glucose levels, only one cup should be taken daily on an empty stomach and one at night..
The infusion is also the way of preparation when there are headaches and diarrhea. To increase absorption, the seed can be consumed directly with a glass of water, 20 minutes before breakfast and dinner..
In the case of dental pain, the seed is crushed into a paste and placed on the sore tooth.
To treat dysentery and amebiasis, it is suggested to soak the fresh bark in cold water and consume the drink three times a day..
As a blood cleanser, it is recommended to grind the seed and take the horchata prepared with water.
- Its consumption should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
- An overdose of the seed can generate toxic reactions.
- It can induce drops in blood glucose levels in people with normal pancreas function. This can lead to weakness, low blood pressure, fainting and dizziness..
Yet No Comments