32 Douglas Maple

Names

Common name – Douglas Maple

Scientific name – Acer glabrum

Other names – sgwálqwmaz’

General information

Douglas Maple represents an important traditional medicine with validated pharmacological properties. Its traditional uses by Indigenous peoples, particularly for digestive issues and inflammation, are supported by its rich phytochemical profile containing tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. The biochemical mechanisms underlying its medicinal properties involve anti-inflammatory pathways, antimicrobial activity, and astringent effects that align with traditional applications.

Traditional Indigenous Uses

When sickness took hold and the stomach was unsettled, the bark or leaves were steeped into a tea to calm the bowels and ease diarrhea. This medicine worked gently, cleansing without harm, and was often shared with those who had been weakened by long illness. The same infusions soothed swellings and inflammation throughout the body, cooling what had become hot or sore.

The inner bark was carefully prepared as a wash for sore or infected eyes. A tea made from its parts was drunk as a renewal remedy, helping the people through the transitions between seasons when illness often visited the community.

Its stems and wood were prized for their strength and flexibility, used to make snowshoe frames, bows, and tools that carried the people through winter and travel.

Phytochemical Composition

Primary Bioactive Compounds

1. Tannins (Astringent Compounds)

• Chemical Class: Polyphenolic compounds
• Molecular Structure: Complex phenolic polymers
• Properties: Phenolics are ubiquitous compounds found in all plants as their secondary metabolites. These include simple phenols, hydroxybenzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, coumarines and tannins, among others.

Chemical Structure of Hydrolyzable Tannins:

Gallic Acid Unit: HO-C₆H₂-(OH)₂-COOH

Connected to glucose core via ester linkages

Molecular Weight: 500-3000 Da

2. Saponins

• Function: Saponins are bioactive compounds generally considered to be produced by plants to counteract pathogens and herbivores. Besides their role in plant defense, saponins are of growing interest for drug research as they are active constituents of several folk medicines.
• Structure: Triterpene or steroid aglycone + sugar chains
• Properties: Surface-active compounds with hemolytic activity

General Saponin Structure:

Aglycone (Triterpene/Steroid) + Sugar moieties

Molecular Formula: C₃₀H₄₈O₃ (base triterpene)

Amphiphilic nature: Hydrophobic aglycone + Hydrophilic sugars

3. Flavonoids

• Class: Polyphenolic compounds
• Common Types: Quercetin, kaempferol, catechins
• Antioxidant Properties: Free radical scavenging activity

Basic Flavonoid Structure:

C₆-C₃-C₆ backbone

15-carbon skeleton arranged in 3 rings (A, B, C)

Multiple hydroxyl groups providing antioxidant activity

Biochemical Mechanisms of Action

1. Anti-inflammatory Activity

Mechanism:

• Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes
• Reduction of prostaglandin synthesis
• Modulation of inflammatory cytokines

Chemical Reaction:

Arachidonic Acid + COX-1/COX-2 → Prostaglandins

(Inhibited by flavonoids and tannins)

Flavonoid-OH + Free Radical → Flavonoid-O• + H₂O

(Antioxidant scavenging reaction)

2. Astringent Properties (Anti-diarrheal)

Mechanism:

• Tannin-protein binding
• Reduction of intestinal secretions
• Antimicrobial effects

Molecular Interaction:

Tannin-OH groups + Protein-NH₂ → Tannin-Protein Complex

Results in tissue contraction and reduced permeability

3. Antimicrobial Activity

Mechanism:

• Disruption of microbial cell membranes
• Inhibition of microbial enzymes
• Chelation of metal ions required for microbial growth

Saponin Membrane Interaction:

Saponin + Cholesterol (in cell membrane) → Membrane disruption

Leading to cell lysis and antimicrobial effect

Traditional Preparation Methods:

1. Infusion/Decoction:
   • 1-2 teaspoons dried bark per cup of water
   • Steep for 10-15 minutes
   • Used for internal consumption
2. Topical Applications:
   • Fresh bark extract for eye washes
   • Poultices for swellings and inflammation
3. Concentrated Extracts:
   • Alcohol-based tinctures
   • Standardized for tannin content

Safety Considerations and Contraindications

Precautions:

• High tannin content may cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals
• Excessive consumption may interfere with iron absorption
• Not recommended during pregnancy without professional guidance

Drug Interactions:

• May interfere with iron supplements
• Potential interaction with blood-thinning medications due to salicylate-like compounds

Conservation Status and Sustainable Harvesting

Douglas Maple is generally not considered endangered, but sustainable harvesting practices should be followed:

• Harvest bark from pruned branches rather than main trunk
• Collect only what is needed
• Allow plants to regenerate between harvesting cycles

References

1) Elders and Community members of the Cayoose Creek Band of Sekw’el’was

2) Native Languages of the Americas. (n.d.). Native American Indian maple tree medicine, meaning and symbolism. http://www.native-languages.org/legends-maple.htm Native Languages

3) Wikipedia contributors. (2024, September 15). Acer glabrum. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_glabrum Wikipedia

4) Grieve, M. (n.d.). Maples. In A modern herbal. Botanical.com. https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/maples14.html Botanical+1

5) Bi, W., Gao, Y., Shen, J., He, C., Liu, H., Peng, Y., Zhang, C., & Xiao, P. (2016). Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Acer (maple): A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 189, 31–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.021

6) Bate-Smith, E. C. (1977). Astringent tannins of Acer Phytochemistry, 16(9), 1421–1426. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)88795-6

7) Augustin, J. M., Kuzina, V., Andersen, S. B., & Bak, S. (2011). Molecular activities, biosynthesis and evolution of triterpenoid saponins. Phytochemistry, 72(6), 435–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.01.015

8) Splitrock Environmental. (n.d.). Douglas maple (sgwálqwmaz’). https://splitrockenvironmental.ca/products/douglas-maple-sgwalqwmaz Splitrock Environmental

9) Evans, T. T. (2022, Winter). The Indigenous origins of maple syrup. American Indian Magazine. https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/Indigenous-origins-of-maple-syrup