Health Guide

Mountain mahogany

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides) is a high-altitude botanical known for its potent astringent and antioxidant properties. Rich in flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, it acts as a natural 'defense shield' for the body. Historically used by Native American tribes to soothe the throat and lungs, it is now valued in modern supplements for its ability to combat oxidative stress and support respiratory health.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC Value Comparison)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Antioxidant Units (μmol TE/g)

Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Respiratory Soothing: Acts as a natural astringent to tighten and soothe throat and lung mucous membranes.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: High concentration of polyphenols protects cells from environmental damage and aging.
Immune Defense: Helps modulate the immune response, keeping you resilient during seasonal challenges.
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces systemic inflammation that can lead to fatigue and body aches.

Deep Dive

The active compounds in Mountain Mahogany are triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids. Unlike standard vitamins, these are complex plant compounds that work synergistically. The astringent quality (caused by tannins) creates a protective film over irritated throat tissues, which explains its traditional use for coughs. Additionally, its ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value is quite high, meaning it is exceptionally good at neutralizing the free radicals generated by stress and pollution.

Natural Food Sources

Mountain Mahogany is a specific botanical extract and does not have a direct food equivalent. To achieve similar polyphenol and antioxidant benefits, focus on these rich food sources:

Food	Amount	% DV (Antioxidant Capacity)
Cloves	1 tsp	Very High
Cacao Powder	1 tbsp	High
Blueberries	1 cup	Medium
Green Tea	1 cup	Medium

Supplementation

Standardized Extract: Look for supplements standardized to contain a specific percentage of active compounds (often listed as total phenols or saponins).
Usage: Best taken with a full glass of water. If you are anemic or take iron supplements, space your Mountain Mahogany dose at least 2 hours apart.

Top Food Sources

Cercocarpus Betuloides Leaf

Standardized Extract Only

Cloves

Rich in Eugenol/Antioxidants

Cacao Powder

Flavonoid rich

Blueberries

Anthocyanin rich

Green Tea

Catechin rich

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Despite the name, it is a botanical extract from a tree. Molybdenum is a trace mineral. They are completely different substances.

While traditional cultures did this, supplement extracts are standardized for safety and potency. Consuming raw bark is not recommended due to potential contaminants or unknown dosage.

There is no strong clinical evidence supporting Mountain Mahogany for weight loss. Its primary benefits are related to antioxidant and respiratory health.

For respiratory soothing, effects can be felt quickly. For systemic antioxidant benefits, consistent daily use over weeks is recommended.

Safety & Side Effects

Mountain Mahogany is generally safe for adults. However, due to its high tannin content, excessive dosage may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or constipation. It may inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (plant-based iron). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to a lack of clinical safety data.

Scientific References

[1]Antioxidant activity of Cercocarpus betuloides (Journal of Ethnopharmacology)
[2]Traditional medicinal uses of Cercocarpus by Native American tribes
[3]Triterpenoid saponins and their biological activities (Phytochemistry Letters)