Ambrette

Scientific Name(s): Abelmoschus moschatus L. (Medic.)
Common Name(s): Ambrette, Musk ambrette, Musk okra, Muskdana, Muskmallow

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 6, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Ambrette has been used as a stimulant and as treatment for a variety of ills, from stomach cancer to hysteria. It is commonly used to scent cosmetics and to flavor foods and drinks. Traditionally, it has been used for treating headaches, cramps, muscular aches and pains, nervous system disorders including depression, and bacterial pathologies.

Dosing

There is no clinical evidence to support dosage of ambrette.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Ingestion or application of ambrette derivatives produces photosensitivity and dermatitis in some individuals.

Toxicology

With the possible exception of seed extracts, ingestion of small amounts is considered safe.

Scientific Family

• Malvaceae

Botany

This plant is cultivated for its seeds, which have a characteristic musk-like odor. The seeds are the source of ambrette, an aromatic oil used in perfumery. The plant grows to about 3 feet with showy yellow flowers with crimson centers. The plant is indigenous to India and is cultivated throughout the tropics.Leung 1980

History

Several parts of the plant have been used throughout history, most notably the seed oil, which is valued for its fragrant smell. The oil is used in cosmetics and has been used to flavor alcoholic beverages, especially bitters, and coffee.Duke 1985 The tender leaves and shoots are eaten as vegetables and the plant is often grown as an ornamental.

Philippine native have used decoctions of the plant to treat stomach cancer, and extracts of the plant have bene used to treat such diverse ailments as hysteria, gonorrhea and respiratory disorders.Duke 1985 The seeds are used for treating headaches, cramps, muscular aches and pains, and nervous system disorders including depression. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves and seeds have been used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.Arokiyaraj 2015

Decoctions of the plant have been sued to treat stomach cancer, and extracts of the plant have bene used to treat such diverse ailments as hysteria, gonorrhoea, menstrual and respiratory disorders.Duke 1985, Lans 2007 lans

Chemistry

Distillation of the plant yields farnesol and furfural. The volatile oil is high in fatty acids, including palmitic and myristic acids. The ketone ambrettolide (a lactone of ambrettolic acid) is responsible for the characteristic musk-like odor. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 35 compounds in the oil with farnesol acetate (51.45%) and ambrettolide (12.96%) being the major components.Arokiyaraj 2015 A variety of other related compounds have also been identified, most of which were present in quantities of less than 1%.Arokiyaraj 2015, Leung 1980

The bark yields a fiber that is used to produce tough cloths.Duke 1985

Uses and Pharmacology

Ambrette has been used as a stimulant and as treatment for a variety of ills, from stomach cancer to hysteria. It is commonly used to scent cosmetics and to flavor foods and drinks. Traditionally, it has been used to treat bacterial infections, headaches, cramps, muscular aches and...