Medical Botany of the Amazon

Tyler Hunt, Austin Menezes, Shivam Shah, Stephanie Ventura, Katie Cimperman, Caroline Hensley

What were our questions?● What do you and your family do to stay

healthy?● What do you do when you or your family

members are sick?● What kinds of plants do you use to care

for your health?

Scientific name: Morinda citrifoliaCommon name: Noni

Uses cited during interviews: helps with infections, keeping control of your system, and skin cancer

Uses with scientific basis: Noni is in the process of being tested for effectiveness, but has not yet been scientifically proven to be useful. It has, however, shown to be promising for a wide variety of ailments and diseases. It is typically applied to the skin in the affected area to relieve arthritis, headache, infection, or cancer

Noni is an evergreen tree that was introduced to Brazil from Southeast Asia about five years ago. The fruit, leaves, bark, and roots are used medicinally. It contains compounds that can help repair damaged cells in the body and activate the immune system.

Sources:Noni. 2012. Holistic Vibes. Web. <http://holisticvibes.com/uncategorized/the-healing-power-of-the-noni-fruit/>."Noni: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2014.

Scientific name: Jatropha gossypifoliaCommon name: Piao roxo

Uses cited during interviews: Interviewee’s grandmother’s cataracts were healed with juice from Piao roxo.

Uses with scientific basis: There is no scientific evidence that Piao roxo is medicinally valuable; in most places in the world, it is considered a weed.

Juice squeezed from the leaf into the eye is said to avoid cataracts surgery. The berries of the plant are poisonous.

Sources:Baile Perfumado. 2012. Web. <http://baileperfumado20122a.blogspot.com/2012/07/jatropha-gossypiifolia-l.html>.

Leaves of the Mastruz bush are blended with condensed milk to be consumed as a drink. The drink is sold commercially as a syrup. The plant originates from South and Central America, and is currently cultivated in North America and China.

Sources:Mastruz. 2014. Web. <http://www.tuasaude.com/mastruz/>."Wormseed." Herbs. N.p., 2014. Web. 03 Apr. 2014.

Scientific name:Chenopodium ambrosioidesCommon name: Mastruz (Wormseed)

Uses cited during interviews: Mastruz removes liquid and worms from the lungs, helping to clean out lungs when one is fighting bronchitis or the flu.

Uses with scientific basis: Mastruz, or wormseed, is best known for its effectiveness in expelling parasites or worms due to its chemical compound ascaridol. It is also commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, as well as coughs and mucus.

Sources:Cat's Claw. N.d. Netherbs. Web. <http://netherbs.com/?page_id=63>."Cat's Claw." Web M.D. Web M.D., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2014.

Scientific name: Uncaria tomentosa & U. guianensisCommon name: Unha de gato (Cat’s Claw)

Uses cited during interviews: Cat’s Claw has a wide variety of uses and is considered a cure-all.

Uses with scientific basis: Clinical trials have shown Cat’s Claw to be effective in improving symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also commonly used to treat digestive problems, viral infections, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and cleaning the kidneys, amongst other uses.

The plant has been shown to work by stimulating the immune system, and may have an effect on the brain.

Scientific name: Genipa americanaCommon name: Jenipapo (Portuguese), Genipapo (English)

Uses cited during interviews: A juice is made with the jenipapo fruit to treat anemia. The unripe fruit is rubbed on the skin to dye it black for ceremonial purposes by the rainforest natives.

Uses with scientific basis: The fruit is rich in iron, providing a supplemental source of iron to individuals afflicted with anemia. The juice of the unripe fruit oxidizes on the skin to create a dark blue or black color, which lasts for several weeks. Scientists have isolated antibiotic compounds from the fruit, notably genipic acid and genipinic acid.

The fruit is often used to make a drink similar to lemonade, sherbet, jelly, and ice cream. The bark, rich in tannins, is used to tan leather and to make a rough cloth.

Sources: Morton, J. 1987. Genipap. p. 441–443. In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F.

Figure 1. The inside of a jenipapo fruit.

Scientific name: Carapa guianensisCommon name: Andiroba

Uses cited during interviews: It is used to help heal cuts as well as to soothe sore throats.

Uses with scientific basis: Andiroba offers anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its high concentration of limonoids and triterpenes. A tea can be made from the bark and leaves to treat fevers, coughs, and sore throats. Oil is also extracted from the seeds and fruit.

Andiroba is a very popular plant used by the pharmacists of Manaus. A tea can be madefrom the bark and leaves to treat fevers, coughs, and sore throats. Oil is also extracted from the seeds and fruit, which can be used for sore throats. The bark, leaves, and oil can be applied directly to sores on the skin for relief. The oil is also burned in lamps, offering insect repelling properties.

Sources:"ANDIROBA: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014."From Pain Reliever to Cancer Fighting Agent, Bitter Andiroba Is Quite Versatile."Ahmazon. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014.

Figure 2. An andiroba fruit on the tree

Scientific name: Campsiandra laurifoliaCommon name: Acapurana

Uses cited during interviews: It is often used to treat fungal infections of the feet and toes. Treatment of malaria is another common use for acapurana in Brazil.

Figure 3. Acapurana tree with its fruit.

Uses with scientific basis: Not much is known about the medicinal properties of the chemicals found in this plant, but it is believed to contain anthocyanins, cyanogenic glycosides and saponins.

The leaves are boiled in water and the affected feet and toes are soaked in the infusion to treat fungal infections. A tonic made with the bark is also often used to treat malaria.

Sources:"Acapurana." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014.

Scientific Name: Peumus boldusCommon Name: Boldo

Uses cited during interview: Boldo is used to calm an upset stomach or stop diarrhea. The plant is typically consumed in a tea or tincture form. It can be damaging to the liver if taken in excess amounts

Uses with scientific basis: Boldo has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the body. It is used to treat stomach disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion, hangovers, anxiety, and bladder infections.

Boldo originates from a plant native to the Andes of Peru and Chile. Useful components of the plant are the leaves or roots. Most commonly used in Europe and Canada, the plant is taken in a tea (internal) or tincture (external) form. It can be harmful to the liver and cause bile duct blockages when taken in excessive amounts.

Sources:Taylor, L. (2005). The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: Boldo. Retrieved March 28, 2014WebMD. (2014). Find a Vitamin or Supplement: Boldo. Retrieved March 28, 2014.

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratusCommon Name: Cidreira or Lemongrass

Uses cited during interview: used to calm people’s nerves, ease heatbeat, makes you sleepy; passion fruit (Maracuga) has the same effect

Uses cited with a scientific basis: Cidreira has been shown to have healing effects for sore throats, pain relief, blood circulation, and for other antibacterial means (cuts and small infections).

Cidreira originates from Southern India and Sri Lanka. It’s main component is an antimicrobial called citral which allows the body to effectively use Vitamin A. Its leaves are picked and then brewed into a tea; also been cited to act as an antidepressant

Sources:Healthers; Health R Us. (2014). Lemongrass-The Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Lemongrass.

Scientific Name: Cajanus cajanCommon Name: Guandu

Uses Cited during interview: internal uses

Uses cited with a scientific basis: Guandu reduces fevers and inflammation, heals sores and ulcers, and relieves coughs.

Guandu is originally from India but also very popular in other parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Peas are used as a source of protein while leaves and flowers are boiled down to make tea. Studies have shown that the plant is able to reduce sickling in sickle cell anemia.

Sources:Taylor, L. (2012). Guandu. Retrieved March 28, 2014 from: http://www.rain-tree.com/guandu.htm#.UzsCGsZOUcB

Scientific name: CarapanaúbaCommon name: Carapanaúba

Uses cited during interviews: Carapanaúba is mainly used as an antimalarial in Brazil as well as an anti-inflammatory medication.

Uses with scientific basis: Carapanaúba is rich in quinine. Quinine is a crystalline alkaloid which can be for antipyretic (fever reducer), antimalarial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory purposes.

Quinine was the first effective treatment for malaria appearing in therapeutics in the 17th century. Quinine is also used to treat lupus and arthritis. Quinine was also frequently prescribed in the US as an off-label treatment for cramps, but this has become less prevalent due to a FDA statement warning against the practice.

Sources:http://www.amazonprodutos.com.br

Scientific name: Paullinia sorbilisCommon name: Guaraná

Uses cited during interviews: Guaraná is said to be very rich in caffeine (about 2-3 times greater than coffee). It is also said to make you stronger. Villages in Amazonas, Brasil, where individuals use it widely, are said to live much longer. It is often added to drinks.

Uses with scientific basis: The rainforest tribes have used guaraná mainly as a stimulant and as an astringent (drying agent) for treating chronic diarrhea. In the United States today, guaraná is reputed to increase mental alertness, fight fatigue, and increase stamina and physical endurance. Presently, guaraná is taken daily as a health tonic by millions of Brazilians, who believe it helps overcome heat fatigue, combats premature aging, detoxifies the blood, and is useful for intestinal gas, obesity, dyspepsia, fatigue, and arteriosclerosis. The plant, considered an adaptogen, is also used for heart problems, fever, headaches, migraine, neuralgia, and diarrhea

The uses of this plant by the Amerindians predates the discovery of Brazil. South American Indian tribes (especially the Guaranis, from whence the plant's name is derived) dry and roast the seeds and mix them into a paste with water. They then use it much the same way as chocolate - to prepare various foods, drinks, and medicines

Sources: http://www.rain-tree.com/guarana.htm#.U0Gc5V444dshttp://mr-ginseng.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Guarana.jpg

Scientific name: Aloe vera or barbadensisCommon name: Aloe, babosa

Uses cited during interviews: Sap of the aloe plant is commonly used in shampoos and other such haircare and skin products, because of its soothing properties.

Uses with scientific basis: Active compounds of aloe gel have been found useful for healing burns, frostbite, psoriasis, cold sores, and in some cases surgical wounds. Data also suggests increased blood circulation upon use. However, evidence is relatively weak andshould be heeded with caution. Oral consumption of the aloe latex has shown laxative properties.

Other info regarding form, availability, origins, etc: The plant is common in households in South Brazil.

Sources:http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/aloe_vera.htm

Scientific name:Common name: Creolina

Uses cited during interviews: “stops bloody shit”

Uses with scientific basis: No trace of its existence has been found.

Scientific Name: Annona muricataCommon Name: Graviola or Soursop

Uses cited during interviews: Tea made from the fruit can be used to make children sleepy

Uses with scientific basis: The fruit is rich in Vitamin B1, B2, and C and may contain cytotoxic, antinociceptive properties however large scale human experiments have not yet been done. Similarly, there is insufficient evidence, according to Western medicine, that Graviola can be helpful in stopping coughs, or causing relaxation.

The pulp of the fruit is commonly used in smoothies, fruit juice drinks, as well as candies,sorbets, and ice cream flavorings. Soursop is also widely available, ranging from Mexico to South America to South Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

Source: "Graviola." WebMD. Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2009. Web. 09 Apr. 2014.

Scientific name: Aniba canelillaCommon name: Precious Bark or Casca Preciosa

Uses cited during interviews: Not interviewed but has uses listed on labeling

Uses with scientific basis: Tea infusions with this bark can help reduce acne, diarrhea, malaria, and nausea. There are other antiseptic and bactericidal uses to help fight infection as well.

The tree belongs to the Acantaceas family and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. It is slightly spicy and aromatic but overdose can result in serious headache.

Sources:Fonseca, Zulmiro. "Aniba Canelilla." Casca-Preciosa,. N.p., 27 Jan. 2004. Web. 09 Apr. 2014.

While some remedies may be efficacious, there is a lack of professional, preventative healthcare along the river

So what can we conclude?

What can be done?1) more healthcare professionals

2) study of these plants

3) incorporation of these plants and the practices that surround them in traditional care