Ambrette
Ambrette

Background

Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus) is a fragrant shrub native to India. Oil from its seed has a musky aroma. It's used in colognes and traditional medicines.

Certain ambrette seed and leaf extracts contain chemicals that might have antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects.

People use ambrette for stomach pain, anxiety, cancer, heart failure, constipation, depression, indigestion, nausea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse ambrette, which is also known as Hibiscus abelmoschus, with Hibiscus sabdariffa. These are not the same.
When taken by mouth: Ambrette is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ambrette is safe. Some people might experience skin irritation and increased sensitivity to the sun.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ambrette is safe to use during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Ambrette is possibly unsafe when taken mouth or applied to the skin while breast-feeding. Ambrette seems to pass into breast-milk. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Myricetin, a chemical in ambrette, might affect blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking ambrette at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using ambrette for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of ambrette might be. Traditionally, ambrette powdered seeds have been mixed with lukewarm milk. It's also been used as a tea or tincture. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Myricetin, a chemical in ambrette, might lower blood sugar levels. Taking ambrette along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Myricetin, a chemical in ambrette, might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/03/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 03/12/2014 00:37:24. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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