The Health Benefits of the Osage Tree

The Health Benefits of the Osage Tree

Osage Tree

Highly revered in Native American cultures, the Osage tree is has admired for centuries. The bark, fruits, and leaves all contain phytonutrients that are responsible for the tree’s proposed health benefits. Its volatile oils make it a strong, natural insecticide, and many of its compounds have also been shown to protect the body against many types of harmful organisms. Available literature gives insight into the tree's power to promote human health.

Health Benefits of Osage Tree

The benefits of Osage tree, or Maclura pomifera, are numerous, ranging from positive effects on the immune system and cardiovascular system.

Harmful Organism Protection

Some research shows that the Osage tree contains potent compounds responsible for fighting various types of fungus and bacteria. Research is ongoing to determine how these compounds can be applied to human health. The main chemical compound that exhibits fungal and bacterial fighting abilities is 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxystilbene and is found primarily in the wood.

Cardiovascular Support

Heart disease is the number one killer among men and women alike, and researchers are scrambling to find solutions. Flavonoids found in the Osage tree – osajin and pomiferin – have been shown to promote heart function in animal tests; largely due to its antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant Power

Many degenerative health concerns are amplified by oxidative stress – metabolic stress induced by diet and environmental toxins. Dietary antioxidants offer a great deal of promise for decreasing oxidative stress in the body and supporting overall health. The Osage tree contains high levels of isoflavones, a type of antioxidant similar to vitamin C and E.

Immune System Support

The immune system is the most important factor for supporting our health, providing a barrier against infectious and viral bacteria. The immune system can become compromised through stress, improper diet, and lack of exercise. Research shows that pomiferin, a natural antioxidant in the Osage tree, significantly boosts immune system function.

Insecticide

Unlike other trees, the Osage tree is typically free from pests, an allusion to its natural insecticide activity. Some limited preliminary research suggests concentrated compounds extracted from the fruit of the Osage tree may repel insects.