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FERNANDO MAIOCCHI
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/gquery
http://www.rain-tree.com/chuchuhuasi-extract.htm
http://www.rain-tree.com/rtmprod.htm
http://www.rain-tree.com/author.htm
Chuchuhuasa
(Maytenus krukovii)
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Maytenus
Species: krukovii
Synonyms: Maytenus ebenifolia, M. laevis, M. macrocarpa, M. multiflora, M.
terapotensis, Celastrus macrocarpus, Haenkea macrocarpa, H. multiflora
Common Names: Chuchuhuasi, chucchu huashu, chuchuasi, chuchasha,
chuchuhuasha
Parts Used: Bark, root, leaves
CHUCHUHUASI
HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
Main Actions Other Actions Standard Dosage
reduces inflammation kills cancer cells Bark
relieves pain prevents tumors Decoction: 1 cup 2-3 times daily
relaxes muscles stimulates digestion Tincture: 3-5 ml 2-3 times daily
enhances immunity
increases libido
supports adrenals
Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have been using the bark of
chuchuhuasi medicinally for centuries. Its Peruvian name, chuchuhuasi, means
"trembling back," which refers to its long-standing use for arthritis, rheumatism,
and back pain. One local Indian remedy for arthritis and rheumatism calls for
one cup of a bark decoction taken three times a day for more than a week.
Local people and villagers along the Amazon believe that chuchuhuasi is an
aphrodisiac and tonic, and the bark soaked in the local sugarcane rum
(aguardiente) is a popular jungle drink that is even served in bars and to tourists
(its often called "go-juice" to relieve pain and muscle aches and to "keep going"
during long treks in the rainforest). Local healers and curanderos in the Amazon
use chuchuhuasi as a general tonic, to speed healing and, when combined with
other medicinal plants, as a synergist for many types of illnesses. In Colombia,
the Siona Indians boil a small piece of the bark (5 cm) in 2 liters of water until 1
liter remains, and drink it for arthritis and rheumatism. In the Ecuadorian
rainforest, the Quijos Quichua Indians prepare a bark decoction for general
aches and pains, rheumatism, sore muscles, menstrual pain, and
stomachaches.
In the Peruvian Amazon, chuchuhuasi is still considered the best remedy for
arthritis among both city and forest dwellers. It is also used as a muscle
relaxant, aphrodisiac, and pain-reliever, for adrenal support, as an immune
stimulant, and for menstrual balance and regulation. In Peruvian herbal
medicine systems, chuchuhuasi alchohol extracts are used to treat
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and
menstrual irregularities and pain.
PLANT CHEMICALS
Chuchuhuasi's long history of use has fueled much clinical interest in the
research community. In the 1960s, an American pharmaceutical company
discovered potent immune-stimulating properties of a leaf extract and a bark
extract, documenting that it increased phagocytosis (the ability of immune cells
to attack bacteria and foreign cells) in mice. Researchers in 1977 reported that
alcohol extracts of the bark evidenced anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities
in various studies with mice, which validated chuchuhuasi's traditional uses for
arthritic pain. Its anti-inflammatory action again was reported in the 1980s by an
Italian research group. They reported that this activity (in addition to radiation
protectant and antitumor properties) were at least partially linked to triterpenes
and antioxidant chemicals isolated in the trunk bark.
In 1993, a Japanese research group isolated another group of novel alkaloids in
chuchuhuasi that may be responsible for its effectiveness in treating arthritis
and rheumatism. In the United States, a pharmaceutical company studying
chuchuhuasi's anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties determined that
these alkaloids can effectively inhibit enzyme production of protein kinase C
(PKC). PKC inhibitors have attracted much interest worldwide, as there is
evidence that too much PKC enzyme is involved in a wide variety of disease
processes (including arthritis, asthma, brain tumors, cancer, and cardiovascular
disease). A Spanish research team found more new phytochemicals in 1998,
one of which was cited as having activity against aldose reductase. (This
enzyme is implicated in nerve damage in diabetic patients.)
Main Uses:
Cautions: none
The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie
Taylor, copyrighted © 2005
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† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for
education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not
intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant
described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease.
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Referenced Quotes on Chuchuhuasi
3. "ACTIONS: Adrenal support, Libido enhancer, Rheumatism, Fortifies immune system.
TRADITIONAL USE: As an alcoholic infusion, it is used to relieve symptoms associated with
rheumatoid arthritis. Chuchuhuasi is a popular jungle remedy. Useful as a muscle relaxant,
effective in breaking up and dispersing lactic acid. People along the Amazon believe
Chuchuhuasi enhances virility. It is recognized as a general reconstituent. Supportive to adrenal
function.
MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: General Yang tonic, Opens Triple Warmer Meridian / especially
Lower Burner, Dispels cold, Increases Kidney Yang.
EAV POINTS: Bladder 65, Triple Warmer, Adrenal"
12. "The bark of chuchuhuasi is famous in western Amazonia, where it is more commonly used
by people in the urban centers. It seems they now regard it more highly than do the Indians in
remote areas, perhaps because of the ailments they suffer and apply it to. The most common
use in this region is for rheumatism. To prepare the herb for pain, the bark is soaked overnight
in cane liquor, and the resulting tincture is drunk. In Colombia, the Siona Indians take a "piece
of the trunk" (5 cm) and boil it in water (two liters) until the decoction reduces to half. To "cure"
arthritis and rheumatism, they take "a small cupful" three times a day for a week. They also
regard the decoction as a stimulant. In the lowland rain forest of eastern Ecuador, the Quijos
Quichua Indians use the stem-bark of chucchu huashu (trembling back). A decoction of chucchu
huashu (Maytenus krukovii A.C. Smith) is taken for rheumatism, aching muscles, menstrual
aches, stomach aches, and general aching. For rheumatism, the males occasionally take the
herb steeped in alcohol. For a blood-building tonic, the reddish inner bark of this species, which
is described as extremely bitter, is chewed or decocted. This is given to patients recovering from
tuberculosis or who display a pale complexion, and to those suffering from bronchitis, stomach
ache, or fever. No limit is placed on the quantity the patient may drink, but it must be taken
before breakfast for a period of one month."
17. "Tourist shops selling tribal artifacts were opening everywhere, and many of the better bars
were beginning to serve some jungle drinks, especially chuchuwasi. That is probably the best
known of all jungle remedies, in Colombia as well as Peru. It is also a favorite drink, second only
to aguardiente in popularity among men living along the rivers.
Chuchuwasi is prepared by chopping the root bark of a very large tree, Maytenus ebenfolia
(Celastraceae), and letting it steep for a week in aguardiente or white rum. The resulting
infusion is one of numerous jungle potions known as "aphrodisiacs." These are reputed to cure
male impotence, whether due to age or illness, and to enhance the virility of the healthy. But
more important are the claims made for its ability to cure all types of rheumatism, and to act as
a general tonic for women as well as men. I have seen it restore to good health two women who
had each, for some months, been in a very debilitated state of health from some undiagnosed
illness. And I know many people who insist that it is the best of all antirheumatic medicines. I
have also heard reports of its curing cancer and, after several months' dosage, restoring to
normal activity an arm paralyzed by long contact with a toxic insecticide."
21. "Maytenus laevis Reissek, Martius, Fl. Bras. 11, pt. 1 (18 61) 19. coemeni (Kubeo);
chuchuhuasca, chuchuguache, chuchuguaza (Col, Peru); SRS 24266; Le Cointe, (1934);
Garcia-Barriga (1974-5); Acero, (1979)
The bark of this tree is famous in the western Amazonia as a medicinal for a number of
ailments. It is soaked usually overnight in aguardiente which is then drunk as a pain killer-almost
always in connection with rheumatism-and as a stimulant. This use is most frequent amongst
people living in urban societies; Indians not commonly in communication with more advanced
inhabitants usually do not consider this plant to be such an important medicine. However, a
species of Maytenus from the Rio Ica in Brazil contains in its aril 0.85% caffeine and is used
locally as a diuretic (Fiese, 1935).
According to Garcia-Barriga, the Sionas boil a 5 cm piece of the trunk in two liters of water and
reduce the liquid to one liter. This decoction is taken thrice daily over a week-one small cupful
each time-to "cure" rheumatism and arthritis. It is also valuable as a stimulant.
22. "Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa (R. & P.) Briq.) is the bark of the trunk or root of a
large extremely strong tree that grows in many parts of the Amazon. Several botanical names
are given for the same tree (M. macrocarpa=M. laevis=M. ebenifolia).
Chuchuhuasi means "trembling back," a name that may refer to its most prevalent uses. The
bark is commonly soaked in aguardiente rum and taken as a cure for arthritis and rheumatism,
and as an aphrodisiac.
In addition to being a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis, in Peru, the bark is boiled to
prepare a tea used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, upset stomach, and irregular menstrual perlods.
In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil a small piece of the bark (5 cm) in water (2 liters) until one
liter remains. To treat arthritis and rheumatism, a cup of the decoction is taken three times a day
for more than a week.
During the 1960s, an American pharmaceutical company discovered that when taken orally by
mice, the leaf extract produced a potent stimulating effect on the immune system, and
phagocytosis was increased to a significant degree. Researchers from the Catholic University in
Rome, Italy, learned that the trunk bark is placed in alcohol to make a solution used to treat skin
cancer. After analyzing the bark, they noted it contains high amounts of the naturally occurring
antitumor substances tingenone and pristimeran, compounds classified as triterpenes.
The constituents responsible for various uses of the tree in folk medicine was the subject of an
article by Italian researchers at the Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore in 1982. Extracts of the
trunk bark of the Colombian chuchuhuasi (M. Laevis) had shown definite anti-inflammatory
activity. Based on constituents found in the root bark, they attributed the antiinflammatory and
radiation protectant action of a water extract of the trunk bark to antioxidants, such as catechin
tannins and procyanidins. They also deduced that certain triterpenes (tingenone and 22-
hydroxytingenone) in chuchuhuasi, having shown antitumor activity, could account for the
traditional use of the tree in treatments of skin tumors.
Renewed interest in this intriguing herbal medicine appeared in 1993. Researchers at the Tokyo
College of Pharmacy isolated a number of alkaloids from the tree. They note that in Peru the
Indians use the "reddish-brown stem bark" soaked in rum (aguardiente) as a tonic extract taken
before breakfast to treat rheumatism. Perhaps in a few years we will be hearing about their
success at isolating the more active constituents of this famous remedy. In the U.S., Sphinx
Pharmaceutical Corporation of Durham, North Carolina, has also shown interest in
chuchuhuasi. Their focus is on protein kinase C (PKC)-inhibitory components of the bark of the
Ecuadorian chuchuhuasi, Maytenus krukovii. Inhibitors of the PKC enzyme are of great interest
today because there is evidence the enzyme, in an over-active state, is involved in a wide array
of disease processes. Among the diseases in which PKC may be overtly involved are
rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, brain tumors, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Antioxidant Actions:
Bruni, R., et al. "Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii
bark." Fitoterapia. 2006 Dec; 77(7-8): 538-45.
Immunostimulant Actions:
Nakagawa, H., et al. “Chemical constituents from the Colombian medicinal plant Maytenus
laevis.” J. Nat. Prod. 2004; 67(11): 1919-24.
Moreira, R. R., et al. “Release of intermediate reactive hydrogen peroxide by macrophage cells
activated by natural products.” Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2001; 24(2): 201-4.
Flemming, K. “Increase of phagocytosis activity by Maytenus laevis leaves and Scholler-
Tornesch lignine (Porlisan).” Naturwissenschaften. 1965 Jun; 52(12):3 46-7.
Dicarlo F. J., et al. “Protection of mice against gram-positive bacteria with Maytenus laevis and
other RES stimulants.” Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 1964 May; 116:195-7.
DiCarlo, F. J., et al. “Reticuloendothelial system stimulants of botanical origin.” Journal of the
Reticuloendothelial Society 1964: 224-32.
Antimicrobial Actions:
Kloucek, P., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal barks used in Peruvian Amazon." J.
Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Nov 18;
Kloucek P, et al. “Antibacterial screening of some Peruvian medicinal plants used in Calleria
District.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jun; 99(2): 309-12.
Perez-Victoria, et al. “New natural sesquiterpenes as modulators of daunomycin resistance in a
multidrug-resistant Leishmania tropica line.” J. Med. Chem. 1999; 42(1): 4388–93.
Sotanaphun, U., et al. “Antimicrobial activity and stability of tingenone derivatives.” Planta Med.
1999 Jun; 65(5): 450-2.
Martinod, P., et al. “Isolation of tingenone and pristimerin from Maytenus chuchuhuasha.”
Phytochemistry 1976; 15: 562–63.
Kingdom Plantae Brugmansia sanguinea (Ruiz & Pavon) D. Don -- accepted -- red
floripontio Calceolaria tripartita Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- splitleaf slipperwort
Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- rocoto Chondrodendron Ruiz &
Pavon -- accepted -- chondrodendron Chondrodendron tomentosum Ruiz & Pavon --
accepted -- pareira Cyperus niger var. niger Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- black
flatsedge Datura sanguinea Ruiz & Pavon -- not accepted Fabiana Ruiz & Pavon --
accepted -- fabiana Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- pichi pichi Lucuma
caimito (Ruiz & Pavon) Roemer & Schultes -- not accepted Mirabilis expansa (Ruiz &
Pavon) Standley -- accepted -- mauka Nicotiana tomentosa Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted --
tobacco Phytelephas Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- nut palm Phytelephas macrocarpa
Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- ivory nut palm Piper longifolium Ruiz & Pavon --
accepted -- pepper Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pavon) Radlk. -- accepted -- abiu
Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- anu