Babassu: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Babassu (Orbignya phalerata or Attalea speciosa) is a palm tree native to the North and Northeast of Brazil. Its fruits, especially the mesocarp (pulp) and oil, have been prized for centuries by local communities for their nutritional, medicinal, and even energy value. Recently, modern research has begun to uncover the science behind traditional uses and bring new insights into babassu’s real-world benefits, potential side effects, and best practices for dosage. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the evidence surrounding this fascinating plant and its many applications.

Benefits of Babassu

Babassu is more than just a staple of rural Brazilian diets—it's a multifunctional natural resource with a range of health benefits, many of which are now being validated by scientific research. From immune modulation to antimicrobial activity and traditional healing, let’s explore what babassu can do.

Immune Support and Modulation

Babassu mesocarp extract has been shown to activate macrophages—the immune system’s “first responders”—in both laboratory and animal studies. This activation leads to increased production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and hydrogen peroxide, all of which are crucial for fighting infections and potentially inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells such as tumors 2. These findings lend scientific support to the folk use of babassu in treating infections and even tumor-related conditions.

In animal models, babassu extract also helped balance cytokines, reducing pro-inflammatory molecules (such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17) while increasing anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating ones (like IL-10 and INF-γ). This suggests a dual action: boosting immune defense while controlling excessive inflammation 6.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Infective Effects

Babassu’s traditional use in treating wounds and infections is supported by evidence that its extracts can directly reduce bacterial loads, including deadly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In mouse studies, babassu mesocarp extract not only improved survival rates following lethal MRSA infection but also helped clear bacteria from blood and tissues 6. This makes babassu a promising complementary therapy for serious infections.

Anti-inflammatory Action

Chronic inflammation underlies many common ailments, from gastritis to skin disorders. Babassu mesocarp flour has been widely used by Brazilian communities for these conditions. Scientific studies confirm that babassu can modulate inflammation, both by activating immune cells to fight threats and by regulating inflammatory cytokines, helping to restore balance 2 3 6.

Wound Healing and Skin Health

Traditional healers and local communities have long applied babassu oil and residue to wounds and ulcers. Reports from babassu nut breakers in Maranhão, Brazil, show that up to 60% use babassu residue for wound care, and 16% use the oil for healing 3. These uses are likely linked to babassu’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, which promote tissue repair.

Ethnopharmacological and Traditional Uses

Babassu’s benefits go beyond laboratory findings; its value is deeply rooted in community practices. In Maranhão, the mesocarp is consumed for gastritis, leukorrhea, and general inflammation (used by over 90% of women surveyed for gastritis and 77% for leukorrhea) 3. Oil and residue are also applied topically to treat wounds and skin problems.

Side Effects of Babassu

While babassu is celebrated for its health-promoting properties, it’s important to acknowledge its potential risks and side effects, especially as consumption or medicinal use becomes more widespread. Understanding these is vital for making informed choices.

Antithyroid and Goitrogenic Effects

One of the most significant—and often overlooked—side effects of babassu is its ability to interfere with thyroid function. Studies in both animals and tissue cultures found that edible parts of babassu can inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis, acting similarly to some antithyroid drugs. In regions of Brazil where babassu and mandioca (cassava) are staple foods, the prevalence of goiter (thyroid enlargement) remained high despite sufficient iodine intake, implicating babassu as a possible goitrogen 4.

This effect is especially concerning in populations with already marginal thyroid health or those relying heavily on babassu as a dietary staple.

Inflammatory Activation

While babassu can stimulate the immune system to fight infections and tumors, this same property means it could worsen conditions driven by excessive inflammation. The mesocarp extract’s ability to activate macrophages and promote the release of inflammatory molecules (like nitric oxide, TNF, and hydrogen peroxide) means that it may not be suitable for those with autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory disorders 2.

Lack of Human Toxicity Data

Although babassu has a long history of traditional use, there remains a lack of comprehensive, controlled human studies on its safety profile. Most of the existing research comes from animal models or in vitro experiments. Thus, while no widespread toxicity has been reported in communities using babassu, caution is advised, especially for high or prolonged intake 2 4.

Dosage of Babassu

Determining the optimal dosage of babassu is challenging, given the variety of preparations (mesocarp flour, oil, aqueous extracts) and the limited human clinical data. However, available studies and traditional practices provide some useful guidelines.

Scientific Dosage Insights

• Animal Studies: In mouse models, babassu mesocarp extract was administered intraperitoneally at 10–20 mg/kg to boost immune cell activity 2, and subcutaneously at 125–250 mg/kg to combat severe infections 6. These doses translated to noticeable biological effects but cannot be directly applied to humans without adjustment.
• Macrophage Activation (in vitro): Effective concentrations in cell culture were around 100 μg/ml 2.

Traditional and Community Use

• Oral Use: In the Brazilian communities surveyed, mesocarp flour is consumed orally for conditions like gastritis and inflammation. Precise daily quantities are not standardized but are based on local custom and need 3.
• Topical Use: Babassu oil and the residue known as “borra” are applied directly to wounds and skin conditions, typically as needed for healing 3.

Practical Considerations and Safety

• There are currently no standardized or regulated human dosages for babassu products.
• Most traditional use involves moderate, as-needed consumption or application.
• Individuals with thyroid disorders or chronic inflammatory conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using babassu, especially in medicinal doses.

Conclusion

Babassu is a remarkable natural resource—valued for its health benefits, cultural significance, and versatility. Modern research supports many of its traditional uses but also highlights potential risks that require careful consideration.

Key Takeaways:

• Immune and Antimicrobial Support: Babassu mesocarp extract can activate immune defenses and help combat infections, including drug-resistant bacteria 2 6.
• Anti-inflammatory and Healing Properties: Used for gastritis, wound healing, and inflammation, with both oral and topical applications validated by traditional practice and scientific studies 2 3 6.
• Potential Side Effects: Chronic or high intake may impair thyroid function and could worsen existing inflammatory or autoimmune conditions 2 4.
• Dosage: No standard human dosage exists; animal studies and traditional use guide approximate amounts, but caution is warranted 2 3 6.
• Safety: More human research is needed; individuals with thyroid or inflammatory diseases should seek medical advice before using babassu.

As research continues, babassu’s role in natural medicine and nutrition may expand further—but for now, its use should be guided by both tradition and emerging science.