Learn About Māmaki
Māmaki: The Wonder Plant of Hawaiʻi
Discover the endemic Hawaiian treasure that has supported wellness for over a thousand years
What is Māmaki?
Māmaki (Pipturus albidus) is a flowering shrub or small tree that is endemic exclusively to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning it grows nowhere else on Earth. Part of the Urticaceae (nettle) family, māmaki is unique among its relatives as it evolved without stinging hairs—a testament to Hawaiʻi's isolated ecosystem that developed without grazing herbivores.
Growing naturally in coastal mesic, mixed mesic, and wet forests at elevations between 200 and 6,000 feet across all the main Hawaiian islands except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe, this fast-growing species can reach heights of 6 to 20 feet.
Ancestral Wisdom: Māmaki in Traditional Hawaiian Medicine
For over a thousand years, māmaki has held a revered place in lāʻau lapaʻau—traditional Hawaiian medicine—which translates to 'plants that heal.' Native Hawaiian healers, known as kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau, used māmaki as a tonic, preventative medicine, and treatment for various ailments.
Traditional Uses by Ancient Hawaiians:
- Māmaki leaves were brewed into tea to treat debility and listlessness, while the berries were used for pre-natal and post-natal care for mothers and infants
- The sap was used to treat oral thrush in children, ease childbirth, and stimulate digestion. The bark served as a laxative, while the roots could treat dysentery
- Beyond medicine, early Hawaiians crafted the hardwood into clubs and kapa beaters, and the fibrous inner bark was pounded into a type of cloth
Lāʻau lapaʻau follows a holistic belief system where physical illness results from a loss of mana (energy) or pono (righteousness), treating the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected. This ancient wisdom, passed down through generations, forms the foundation of māmaki's enduring legacy.
The Science Behind Māmaki
Catechins
The antioxidant powerhouse. University of Hawaiʻi research found māmaki contains higher catechin levels than Gyokuro green tea, Chinese oolong, and Kenya black tea. These compounds provide anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and neuroprotective effects—with 2023 research showing potential to reduce Alzheimer's pathology and repair damaged neurons.
Chlorogenic Acid
The heart health champion. Abundantly found in māmaki leaves, chlorogenic acid helps lower blood pressure, reduces cardiovascular risk, and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and glucose—supporting both heart and metabolic health.
Rutin
The circulation supporter. Māmaki's rutin concentration rivals Kenya black tea and exceeds green tea. This powerful flavonoid strengthens blood vessels, improves circulation, and helps prevent blood clots—supporting overall cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Experience the power of these three polyphenols in every capsule
Try Mamaki Memory® Today
Additional Research Findings:
- A 2022 study found māmaki tea extract had the highest antioxidant activity among all tested plant samples, with measurements of 40.0 μM/μg, and showed potential anticancer and chemopreventive properties
- Early research from 1995 demonstrated that māmaki extracts possess anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties
- Māmaki teas contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and sodium compared to other commercial teas, providing important mineral nutrition
Hawaiian Native Herb Māmaki Prevents Dementia
Māmaki preparations ameliorated neuropathology, restored synaptophysin levels, suppressed microglial activation, and improved memory in four different mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Highest Antioxidant Activity Among Tested Plants
Māmaki tea extract had the highest antioxidant activity among all tested plant samples, with measurements of 40.0 μM/μg, and showed potential anticancer and chemopreventive properties.
Superior Polyphenol Content
The concentration of catechins and rutin in māmaki leaves was higher than commercial green teas, providing superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits.
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Properties
Research demonstrated that māmaki extracts possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, supporting its traditional use in Hawaiian medicine for various ailments.
Backed by science, rooted in tradition
Experience Mamaki Memory®
Traditional Hawaiian healers used māmaki berries for pre-natal and post-natal care
Mamaki Memory®: Honoring Tradition Through Sustainable Partnerships
At Mamaki Memory®, we don't just sell māmaki supplements—we're stewards of Hawaiian heritage and sustainable agriculture. While we originally grew māmaki ourselves, we've evolved our mission to support and partner with local Hawaiian farmers who cultivate this precious plant using sustainable, organic farming practices.
Why This Matters:
- We work exclusively with farmers who respect the land and traditional growing methods
- By sourcing from multiple small farms across the islands, we help preserve Hawaiian agricultural traditions
- Our partnerships ensure fair compensation for farmers who dedicate themselves to nurturing this endemic species
- Supporting māmaki cultivation helps restore native ecosystems, as māmaki is the host plant for Hawaii's endangered Kamehameha Butterfly (pulelehua)
Our Commitment
- 100% sustainably sourced from Hawaiian farms
- Organically grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
- Supporting the revitalization of native Hawaiian plant agriculture
- Preserving centuries of ancestral knowledge while creating economic opportunities for local farmers
Why 'Memory' in Mamaki Memory®?
The name Mamaki Memory® carries deep significance. Emerging research suggests māmaki may support memory and brain health, with studies showing it can improve cognitive function and promote neurogenesis—the growth of new neurons. But beyond the science, 'Memory' represents:
- Honoring the memories of Hawaiian ancestors who preserved this knowledge
- Supporting cognitive memory through māmaki's neuroprotective compounds
- Creating lasting memories through the ritual of taking your daily supplement
- Preserving the memory of Hawaiian culture and sustainable practices
The Environmental Impact: More Than Just Tea
Championing māmaki cultivation puts us at the forefront of restoring native Hawaiian ecosystems. Māmaki serves as the host plant for the endangered Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea), Hawaiʻi's state butterfly, and supporting māmaki farms means supporting habitat restoration for this and other native species.
By choosing Mamaki Memory®, you're not just supporting your own cognitive health—you're contributing to the preservation of Hawaiʻi's unique biodiversity and the continuation of sustainable farming practices that honor the land.
Research & References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10828292/
https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X221080945
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X221080945
Ready to Experience Māmaki?
Join thousands discovering the ancient Hawaiian secret to better memory and focus
Shop Now