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Vismia
( Vismia angusta )
Family
Guttiferae ( St. John's wort and
garcinia )
Synonyms
Iachre, pichirina
Character
Antibacterial, antiseptic,
diuretic, antifungal
Description
Over twenty species of vismia
grow in regions of Mexico and tropical areas of South America. Vismia
belongs to the St. John's wort family of plants which is comprised primarily
of shrubs and trees with a few climbing vines. Most of these trees produce a
resinous sap or latex.
Phytochemistry
While no individual compounds
have been isolated from the Vismia species, the plants have tested
alkaloid-positive. In addition, chemical analysis of plants belonging to
this family have contained valuable constituents including anthraquinones,
polyphenols, coumarins, xanthones and, in some cases, guttiferins.
Traditional rain forest use
It is the latex component of this
botanical that is commonly used by Amazonian tribes for medicinal purposes.
This yellow-orange resin is utilized by the Tikunas to treat wounds,
infected sores, skin fungi and mouth herpes. The Yukunas and Makuna people
make teas out of the leaves of Vismia confertiflora for its diuretic
properties. Experts have theorized that the Makuna reference to the vismia
tree as "urine tree" may be based either on the fact that it promotes
urination, or the fact that its resin is a yellow-orange color. The Puinaves
apply this colored exudate on skin rashes which may be fungal. Various other
tribes in the Amazon use it on sores and wounds for its antiseptic
properties.
Modern medicinal applications
None to date.
Authentication
Compounds from this species have
tested alkaloid-positive. The seeds of the Caripa member of the Guttiferae
family have been found to contain a worm-killing compound.
Safety
No information available |
