- Agaves are succulent plants from the family Agavaceae, which includes Beschorneria, Furcraea, Hesperaloe, Manfreda, Polianthes, Prochnyanthes and Yucca. Agave plants are common in the American southwest, Mexico, central and tropical South America, the Mediterranean and some parts of India. There are over 200 known species of agave; many produce musky odors that attract bats serve to pollinate them, while others produce sweet odors to attract insects.
- Agave americana is also known as the American aloe, although it is not related to the true aloes. The leaves of the agave plant yield fibers suitable for textile production. The native people in Mexico used the agave spikes to make pens, nails and needles. Agave sisalana, the source of sisal fiber, is cultivated in plantations in Africa and Asia. The flowering stem can be dried or roasted and eaten; the seeds can be ground into flour to make bread or used as a thickener for soups. A sweet liquid (sap) called agua miel (honey water) gathers in the plant if the stem is cut before flowering. This sap is collected over a period of about two months, and can then be fermented to produce the alcoholic beverage pulque (octili), which Native Americans use in religious ceremonies. Further distillation creates Mescal (mezcal). A form of tequila is made when Mescal is produced from the blue agave (Agave tequilana) plant within the Tequila region of Mexico. This is the most important economic use of agave, worth millions of dollars to the Mexican economy. Mescal is often sold with the caterpillar of the agave moth in the bottle.
- Agave is also useful as a sugar alternative because with a 90% fructose, it has a low glycemic index. Steroid hormone precursors are obtained from the leaves. Pulque prepared from Agave species was a food item studied intensively for nutrition potential among traditional and indigenous peoples, and is an example of how local food-based strategies can be used to ensure micronutrient nutrition. Traditional food strategies could be used not only for alleviating malnutrition, but also for developing locally relevant programs for stemming the nutrition transition and preventing chronic disease, particularly among indigenous and traditional peoples who retain knowledge of using food species in their local ecosystems.
← Back to Monographs
ingredients
Agave (Agave americana)
Contents
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 . Selected references are listed below.
- Argote-Espinosa RM, Flores-Huerta S, Hernandez-Montes H, et al. [Plasma clearance of ethanol and its excretion in the milk of rural women who consume pulque]. Rev Invest Clin 1992;44(1):31-36.
View Abstract - Arizaga S, Ezcurra E, Peters E, et al. Pollination ecology of Agave macroacantha (Agavaceae) in a Mexican tropical desert. II. The role of pollinators. Am J Bot 2000;87(7):1011-1017.
View Abstract - Backstrand JR, Goodman AH, Allen LH, et al. Pulque intake during pregnancy and lactation in rural Mexico: alcohol and child growth from 1 to 57 months. Eur J Clin Nutr 2004;58(12):1626-1634.
View Abstract - Borup LH, Meehan JJ, Severson JM, et al. Terminal spine of agave plant extracted from patient's spinal cord. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2003;181(4):1155-1156.
View Abstract - Brazzelli V, Romano E, Balduzzi A, et al. Acute irritant contact dermatitis from Agave americana L. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(1):60-61.
View Abstract - Cherpelis BS, Fenske NA. Purpuric irritant contact dermatitis induced by Agave americana. Cutis 2000;66(4):287-288.
View Abstract - Crabbe P. Mexican plants and human fertility. UNESCO Cour 1979;7:33-34.
View Abstract - de la Cueva P, Gonzalez-Carrascosa M, Campos M, Leis V, Suarez R, Lazaro P. [Contact dermatitis from Agave americana] Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2005 Oct;96(8):534-6.
View Abstract - Gonzalez-Ortiz M, Pascoe-Gonzalez S, Kam-Ramos AM, et al. Effect of tequila on homocysteine, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic profile in healthy men. J Diabetes Complications 2005;19(3):155-159.
View Abstract - Hackman DA, Giese N, Markowitz JS, et al. Agave (Agave americana): an evidence-based systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):101-22.
View Abstract - High WA. Agave contact dermatitis. Am J Contact Dermat 2003;14(4):213-214.
View Abstract - Kerner J, Mitchell J, Maibach HI. Irritant contact dermatitis from Agave americana L. Incorrect use of sap as "hair restorer". Arch Dermatol 1973;108(1):102-103.
View Abstract - Narro-Robles J, Gutierrez-Avila JH, Lopez-Cervantes M, et al. [Liver cirrhosis mortality in Mexico. II. Excess mortality and pulque consumption]. Salud Publica Mex 1992;34(4):388-405.
View Abstract - Ricks MR, Vogel PS, Elston DM, et al. Purpuric agave dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40(2 Pt 2):356-358.
View Abstract - Shatoian I, Golomozenko VF. [Contact dermatitis caused by agave used for therapeutic purposes]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 1987;(2):63-64.
View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
