Apple tree: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Malus Communis
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Pectin
Ursolic acid
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
In gemmotherapy, the apple tree is used to support cognitive functions. However, a clinical study shows that consuming apple juice does not improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, although it may improve mood and behavior according to caregiver assessments.
Posologie
Orally: buds, fruit
gemmotherapy
Hypercholesterolemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Consumption of dried apples has been shown to lower cholesterol in postmenopausal adults, attributed to the pectin in apples which increases intestinal viscosity, reducing cholesterol reabsorption and stimulating bile production.
Posologie
Orally: buds, fruit
gemmotherapy
Muscle strength ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies in resistance-trained men show that an apple extract modestly increases lower-body strength and power, as well as muscle cross-sectional area, compared to a placebo.
Posologie
By mouth: fruit
Sexual disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
In gemmotherapy, the apple tree is valued for its effects on cerebral circulation and hormonal regulation, which can positively influence sexual functions by improving hormone secretion.
Posologie
By mouth: buds
gemmotherapy
Properties
Cardiovascular
Apples, particularly their skin rich in polyphenols, may help improve cardiovascular function. Polyphenols, such as flavonoids and tannins, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce cardiovascular risk. nnA small clinical study in healthy subjects showed that daily consumption of two apples with their skin improved endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilation, immediately and after four weeks, compared with peeled apples. nn
Hypocholesterolemic
The effect of apples on cholesterol varies depending on how they are consumed. Consumption of dried apples has been shown to lower cholesterol in postmenopausal women, likely due to the pectin present in apple fiber. This pectin increases intestinal viscosity, thereby reducing cholesterol reabsorption.nn
Usages associés
Musculoskeletal effects
Ursolic acid, a triterpenoid present in apple skin, may influence muscle mass. Animal studies indicate an increase in muscle mass, exercise capacity, and grip strength following administration of ursolic acid. nnIn humans, results are less clear, although a blend containing an apple extract has shown an increase in ATP in plasma and muscles.nn
Usages associés
Metabolic
Ursolic acid in apple skin may improve metabolism. Animal research shows that ursolic acid increases the amount of brown fat, which raises energy expenditure and improves glucose tolerance while reducing weight. In humans, results vary: consuming whole apples increases satiety and slows gastric emptying compared with apple juice, suggesting positive effects on metabolism and weight management.
Safe dosage
Adult: 40 drops (gemmotherapy)
Gemmotherapy: the dosage is 40 to 100 drops per day in a 2- to 3-month course. There is no established dosage for other formulations.
Interactions
Médicaments
Organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP): strong interaction
Apple juice consumption inhibits OATP, which reduces the bioavailability of oral medications that are OATP substrates, such as fexofenadine, atenolol, and aliskiren. nnClinical studies have shown that co-administration of apple juice decreases the bioavailability of fexofenadine by up to 78%, of aliskiren by up to 63%, and of atenolol by up to 82%. nnIt is recommended to separate medication intake and apple juice consumption by at least 4 hours to avoid this interaction.
