MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM THE AMAZON: September 2011

Curare (Chondrodendron tomentosum)

Curare (Chondrodendron tomentosum). Curare is a large poisonous vine rich in alkaloids. The alkaloids relax muscles and are used as an arrow poison. In South America, it is used to treat bruises, fever, edema, and kidney stones. It is also used as an anesthesia.

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) is a large ground vine with an extensive root system. Today, it is considered a tonic and an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a plant that helps the body resists adverse influences by a wide range of factors. In Brazil, suma root is taken to stimulate appetite and circulation, balance blood sugar levels, and enhance the immune system, muscular system, and memory. Suma root has very high saponin content (up to 11%). Saponins have a variety of effects, including lowering blood cholesterol.

Clavillia (Mirabilis jalapa)

Clavillia (Mirabilis jalapa). Clavillia is a perennial herb mainly used to kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This plant has many active compounds like triterpenes, proteins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids. A group of amino acid-based proteins called MAPs protect against plant viruses.

Trumpet tree (Cecropia peltata)

Trumpet tree (Cecropia peltata) is widely used in traditional medicine in Central and South America. Every part of the tree is used. The plant treats a diversity of conditions, including respiratory illnesses and rheumatism.

Annatto/Lipstick tree (Bixa orellana)

The Annatto/Lipstick tree (Bixa orellana) tree has a wide variety of uses. For centuries, rainforest peoples have used the plant for things from insect repellant to lowering blood pressure to love potions. Its traditional uses are backed by recent research. Colombians have used extracts from the plant to treat snakebites. A study in 2000 confirmed this use in mice. Oil from the plant contains carotenoids (plant pigments), one of which, Bixin, protects against UV rays. Annatto is still used today in South America to treat heartburn.

Cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao)

The cocoa (Theobroma cacao) tree produces more than 150 chemicals in its leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark. The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs used parts from the tree to treat anxiety, fever, fatigue, and coughs. Five hundred years ago the plant was brought to Europe, where it was used to treat kidney stones and cuts and burns, among other things. Recent research shows that chocolate contains polyphenols, which prevent heart disease.