Maroon Bush

In the U.S.

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What is it?

Maroon bush has not been studied in humans.

Maroon bush is a plant native to Australia where it is used in traditional medicine for colds, stomach ailments, and as a diuretic by the Aboriginal people. Lab studies have shown that it has antibacterial and antiviral activities, but it is not known whether it has anticancer effects in humans.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

Ulcers

Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
Stomach ache

Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
Colds

Although used in traditional medicine, evidence is lacking to support this claim.
Cancer

Although believed to have anticancer effects, evidence is lacking to support this claim.
Diuretic

Maroon bush is used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, but evidence is lacking to support this claim.

For Healthcare Professionals

Scientific Name

Scaevola spinescens

Clinical Summary

Maroon bush is a plant native to Australia where it is used in traditional medicine for colds, stomach ailments, and as a diuretic by the Aboriginal people. Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, polysteroids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and phenolic compounds are among the constituents found in maroon bush ⁽²⁾ ⁽³⁾.

In vitro, the plant extracts demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral properties without toxic effects ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾. Infusions made from the leaves and branches are thought to have anticancer effects, leading to heightened interest in this plant as an alternative cancer treatment. However, human studies have yet to be conducted.

Purported Uses and Benefits

Ulcers
Stomach ache
Diuretic
Colds
Cancer

References

Semple SJ, Reynolds GD, O’Leary MC, Flower RL. Screening of Australian medicinal plants for antiviral activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 Mar;60(2):163-72.
Cock IE, Kukkonen L. An examination of the medicinal potential of Scaevola spinescens: Toxicity, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Pharmacognosy Res. 2011 Apr;3(2):85-94.
Kerr PG, Longmore RB, Betts TJ. Myricadiol and other taraxerenes from Scaevola spinescens. Planta Med. 1996 Dec;62(6):519-22.

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Last Updated

Thursday, February 25, 2021

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