Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 1-(3-hydroxy-5-methylpyridin-2-yl)ethanone, 1-(3-hydroxy-5,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)ethanone, 1-(3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridin-2-yl)ethanone, 1-(6-ethyl-3-hydroxypyridin-2-yl)ethanone, Abelmoschus moschatus, abelmosk, ambretta, ambrette seeds, annual hibiscus, bamia moschata, Egyptian alcee, farnesol, galu gasturi, gukhia korai (Assamese), Hibiscus abelmoschus, kasturi bhenda (Telugu), kasturi bhendi (Hindi), kattukasturi (Malayalam), lalkasturika (Sanskrit), linoleic acid, Malvaceae (family), mushkdana (Hindi), musk ambrette, musk mallow, musk seeds, muskdana, myricetin, myristic acid, ornamental okra, palmitic acid, pyrazine derivatives, pyridines, rose mallow seeds, target-leaved hibiscus, varttilai kasturi (Tamil), yorka okra.
• Note: Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus) or oil from the seeds of the plant are used for medicinal purposes as well as in food and cosmetics. Musk ambrette is a synthetic compound commonly used in food and cosmetics. This monograph is limited to information on ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus). Further information on the synthetic product musk ambrette can be found in additional references (1;​2;​3;​4;​5;​6;​7;​8;​9;​10;​11;​12;​13;​14;​15;​16;​17;​18;​19;​20;​21;​22;​23;​24;​25;​26;​27;​28;​29;​30;​31;​32;​33;​34;​35;​36;​37;​38;​39;​40;​41;​42;​43;​44;​45;​46;​47;​48;​49;​50;​51;​52;​53;​54;​55;​56;​57;​58;​59;​60;​61;​62).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus) is an aromatic medicinal shrub native to India. It is in the Malvaceae family and is related to A. esculentus, which is common okra. Ambrette seeds traditionally have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments and are also used in cosmetics and food. The roots and leaves are sometimes cultivated for medicinal or industrial purposes. The oil from the seeds is used worldwide in perfumes and to flavor food.
• Ambrette seeds are commonly used medicinally in India and throughout the Caribbean as a tea or tincture. Traditional medicine in India has multiple uses for ambrette, while in the Caribbean it is primarily used for treatment of problems related to the female reproductive system and for childbirth.
• In animal study, myricetin, isolated from the aerial part of Abelmoschus moschatus, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose utilization, and lower plasma glucose (63;​64;​65). High-quality human trials supporting the efficacy of Abelmoschus moschatus for any indication are currently lacking.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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