Osage Orange

Other Names : Maclura pomifera, hedge apple, horse apple, bois d'arc, bodark, bow-wood, yellow-wood

Special Precautions of Osage Orange

Hedge apples contain both sticky and irritating substances that can result in dermatitis. To further complicate matters, the isoflavones in the fruit have a phenolic character, similar to white willow, the precursor to aspirin. Phenolic compounds can cause severe stomach irritation, which might lead a person to believe he has eaten a poisonous fruit.

Health Benefits and Uses of Osage Orange

• Osajin and pomiferin are flavonoids present in the wood and fruit, which contains about 5% of total isoflavones.
• Primary components of fresh fruit include pectin (46%), resin (17%), fat (5%), and sugar (before hydrolysis, 5%). Moisture content of fresh fruits is about 80%.
• The flavonoid Morin, which is found in guava and Osage orange, contains antioxidant properties that can lessen inflammation and improve neurological deficits in cerebral ischemia patients. he researchers found that morin provided beneficial effects on cerebral ischemia assault as it mitigates oxidative stress, prevents apoptosis, and reduces inflammation. Its neuroprotective effects may be used as a powerful agent in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
• The Comanche tribe historically used a root/water infusion for eye conditions.

References

Smith, Jeffrey L.; Perino, Janice V. (January 1981). "Osage orange (Maclura pomifera): History and economic uses" (PDF). Economic Botany. 35 (1): 24–41. doi:10.1007/BF02859211. Retrieved December 24, 2015.