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Cinchona succirubra (Rubiaceae)
PERUVIAN BARK, JESUIT'S BARK, QUININE TREE
The Spanish learnt of the power of quinine from the Peruvian Indians when they invaded South America.
The bark and extracted quinine are still widely used to prevent and treat
malaria today.
The Jesuits appear to be the first to have used it as a fever
medicine in Europe, and it soon became the renowned preventive and cure for malaria. A perennial tree native to the jungles of the west coast of South America, it is now
cultivated for medicines in India, east Africa, and the East Indies. It grows to
25 m (80 ft), and has egg-shaped leaves and clusters of small crimson flowers.
PARTS USED
Bark.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Quinoline alkaloids, including
quinine, quinidine, and cinchonine; glycosides; tannins; quinic acid.
ACTIONS
Antimalarial; astringent; reduces or prevents fever; stimulates digestion; reduces muscle tension and spasm.
MEDICINAL USE
Used to prevent and treat malaria. Also given for liver conditions associated with an enlarged spleen, anorexia, indigestion, hyperchlorhydria (excessive stomach acid production), cramps, myalgia (muscle pain), and fevers with excessive temperature. It has also been used to help prevent flu. In orthodox medicine, the active ingredient quinine is prescribed as an antimalarial and for muscle cramps, and is in several over-the-counter painkilling and cold remedies. Quinidine is given for certain types of cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats).
PREPARATIONS
Decoction, tincture, pharmaceutical tablets and injections.
CAUTION
Large doses should he avoided.
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