VILCACORA –Uncaria tomentosa
Vilcacora is an Amazon vine that reaches the length of 30 metres and has characteristic curved back hooks that occur at the leaf junctions. The bottom side of the leaves is covered with delicate hairs (in Latin tomentosus means downy or mossy). The plant blossoms with yellowish-white flowers. It comes from Amazon rainforests and other tropical regions of South and Central America. It has been proved that most active substances can be found in vilcacora that grows in the Peruvian region of Montaňa.
For centuries, the vine has been used by Indian tribes to treat inflammatory conditions and prevent tumours. The healing raw materials of vilcacora are leaves, bark and roots. Due to its content of oxindole alkaloids, the plant regulates and stimulates immunity of the body. This property has been used to support antitumour treatment. The alkaloid group also shows a hypotensive activity through its action on blood vessels, cholesterol concentration and blood coagulability. Preparations based on Uncaria tomentosa are used as adjuvants in asthma, arthritis, gastritis, nephritis, enteritis, dermatitis, diarrhoea, haemorrhages, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections.
Preparations:
Capsules containing powdered bark of the plant,
Liquid extract of the plant,
Teabags – single use bags containing powdered bark of the plant – Vilcacora and Vilcacora Forte Plus
with anise,
Dried, ground leaves of the plant – Vilcacora Forte,
Capsules containing lyophilised extract – Vilcacora Extract KK,
Spray – Vilcacora with Thyme – having an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting action on upper
airways.
VILCACORA MUST NOT BE ADMINISTERED:
- To pregnant and breastfeeding women,
- to children under 3 (in special cases a physician decides),
- to patients after organ transplantation or before planned transplantation,
- in the case of blood transfusion or when blood-derived preparations are taken, (it may be administered three weeks after transfusion but should be terminated one week before planned transfusion).
- to patients treated with insulin and steroidal hormones,
- within three days before and three days after vaccination against contagious diseases.
In cases where administering vilcacora must be terminated we suggest that AMC patients should replace it with appropriate doses of TAHUARI.
As all alkalising agents (Alugastrin, Gel, Aluminii Phosphorici, Manti, Renigast, Omeprasol, Losec etc.) inhibit the absorption of active medicinal substances containted in vilcacora preparations, patients who use the above agents should increase doses of vilcacora twofold.
TAHUARI – TABEBUIA SERRATIFOLIA (VAHL.)NICHOLS
Tahuari is a large tree (46 metres in height and 3 metres in diameter) that grows in tropical climate. Its bark is green-grey-brown from the outside and creamy-yellowish from the inside. In blossom, the plant forms characteristic inflorescence in the shape of yellow-golden campanulate calyxes.
The healing raw material is bark of which decoctions are made. Its antibiotic properties are used in influenza, whooping cough and other disorders of the respiratory system. The outwardly oily Tabebuia serratifolia sap is applied to the skin to treat contusions, rheumatism and leishmaniasis. Thanks to lapachol, an immunostimulating agent occurring in the plant, tahuari may be used as an adjuvant in infection deseases prevention.
Preparations: Dried, ground bark of the plant
SANGRE DE DRAGO – CROTON LECHLERI
Special attention should be paid to ensure that the solution is stored in a dark place.
Preparations:
Capsules containing powdered parts of the plant,
Drops – resin solution derived from the bark
MANAYUPA – DESMODIUM MOLLICULUM
Manayupa is a ramifying, perennial plant up to 50 cm in height. It has small, bright purple flowers and bears green fruit in the shape of bean pods. It grows in small areas of the Andes at elevations of 1,000 to 3,000 m above sea level.
In Peruvian folk medicine the plant is used mainly due to its so-called body cleansing properties, which means eliminating exogenous substances from the blood. The substances are mainly remnants and metabolites of medications. For that reason, the plant is the most important component of the purifying course of treatment. For maximum results, manayupa should be administered alone. The medical use of the herb is also related to its sedative effect and the usefulness of its infusions in all inflammatory conditions, including respiratory tract inflammations, persistent skin infections, mycosis and acne, due to its metabolism-enhancing action. By improving the kidneys functions, manayupa stimulates the excretion of urine and deposits retained in the urinary tract. Furthermore, Desmodium molliculum has an antiasthmatic and antiallergic action.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered herb,
Dried, ground plant
FLOR DE ARENA – TIQUILIA PARONYCHIOIDES (PHIL.) RICH.
A herbaceous plant growing in the coast and in mountainous areas of South America. Its infusions have been claimed to have a blood cleaning-action, cleansing the blood mostly of uric acid, and a diuretic effect. For that reason, the plant has found use in the so-called purifying treatments. It is also helpful in cases of indigestion, obesity and as an adjuvant in the therapy of venereal diseases, particularly gonorrhoea.
Preparations:
Dried, ground plant
HERCAMPURI – GENTIANELLA ALBOROSEA (GILG.)FABRIS
Hercampuri is a small flowery plant up to 15 cm in height that grows mainly in the Peruvian Andes at the elevation of 3,000 to 4,000 m above sea level. The stem and leaves, which contain bitter substances, determine the plant’s healing action. Hercampuri is well known for its liver protecting, i.e. cholagogic (cholereticum) and cholepoietic (cholagogum), properties which improve the functioning of the alimentary tract. The plant’s valuable blood cleaning properties lie in its effect on liver metabolism and a generally detoxifying action. Gentianella alborosea is used to support the treatment of chronic liver diseases, viral hepatitis type B and C and cirrhosis.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered stems and leaves of the plant
MACA – LEPIDIUM MEYENII WALPERS
The plant grew all over the Andes once, but now it can be found only in some Peruvian regions at the elevation over 3,500 m above sea level. The overground part of this perennial, the stem, is from 13 to 19 cm long, while its underground part, a tuber of 2 to 8 cm in diameter, which is the utilised part of the plant, is shaped like a radish. Each of the existing varieties of this plant is characterised by different colour of the tubers – from potato-like colour through grey, yellow and yellowish-white, through white and pink, white and purple or red.
Lepidium meyenii is used as an immunostimulant to support antitumour treatment. It has valuable nutritional properties, due to which it is also used in cases of exhaustion, malnutrition and in the growth period. Due to its content of hormonal precursors, it has an effect on the reproductive functions of the body, potency and is used to increase fertility. The plant is also considered to improve memory and learning ability, energise, support the forming and endurance of muscle mass. Finally, it is used in chronic fatigue syndrome, irregular menstruation, hormonal disorders and supports the treatment of osteoporosis during the menopause period.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered tubers of the plant
CHANCA PIEDRA – PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI L.
Chanca piedra is a small (30-40 cm in height) annual plant that grows locally in Amazon rainforests and other areas of the tropical zone.
Its beneficial action on the liver and kidneys, including the elimination of gallstones and kidney stones, is reflected in the English name of the plant – “stone breaker” or “shatter stone”. The plant is used to prepare infusions. In Peruvian phytotherapy chanca piedra has been used on account of its hypoglycaemic, diuretic and hypotensive action. Recent studies have demonstrated the antiviral activity of active substances contained in the plant, which can prove useful in the treatment of type B and C jaundice and AIDS. In all regions where Phyllanthus niruri occurs the plant has been wellknown for its multidirectional healing action, including an antispastic, antibacterial, antimalarial, prodigestional, tonic and antiparasitic activity.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered herb
CAIGUA – CYCLANTHERA PEDATA (L.) SCHRAD.
An annual plant that grows on the coast and on elevations of the Amazon basin, characterised by black, square seeds. Formerly it only grew wild but at present it has also been cultivated. Its leaves and buds serve as the basis of tasty salads and the fruit is eaten after being boiled.
Furthermore, the plant has been widely used in the treatment of circulatory system disorders – mainly hypercholesterolaemia (infusions and decoctions of the plant) and hypertension (seed infusion). Due to the above properties, it also protects from complications resulting from atheromatous changes.
Besides, it is used in diabetes, mostly overweight-related. The anti-inflammatory action of the plant is used to support the treatment of tonsillitis, otitis, angina and – externally – in dermatitis (ground fruit or leaves applied to the places affected by illness). Fruit decoction has a diuretic action.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered herb
ACHIOTE = ANNATO – BIXA ORELLANA L.
Achiote is a small tree (up to 10 metres in height). During the fruition period, fruit in the shape of reddish-orange thorny pods appear at the ends of shoots. Each of them contains up to 50 seeds. An average size tree can produce up to 270 kg of seeds. The plant grows in Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Trinidad and Hawaii at the elevation of 1,200 m above sea level.
A decoction made of leaves, bark and seeds of the plant is used externally to accelerate the healing of wounds or burns and in conjunctivitis. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity, the plant is also used as an adjuvant in prostatic hypertrophy therapy. Internally (orally) applied preparations have a calming, cardiac, expectorant, antioxidant action and stimulate digestion. Thanks to these properties, they are useful as a cleansing agent in liver disorders and hypercholesterolaemia. Fresh seeds can be eaten due to their nutritional value.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried and powdered parts of the plant
ASMACHILCA – ARISTIGUEITIA BALLII
The plant used in bronchitis as an expectorant agent, stimulating the removal of bronchial secretion and thereby bringing alleviation of persistent cough and attacks of asthma, especially when administered within a longer course of treatment. Due to its diaphoretic action, it is also used in flu, the common cold and all conditions accompanied by high body temperature.
Preparations:
Dried, ground parts of the plant
MUŃA–MUŃA – MINTHOSTACHYS SETOSA (BIQ.) EPLING.
The plant grows on the coast and in the mountains of South America at 3500 m. above sea level. It is a shrub. Its medicinal use consists mainly in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of substances contained in the plant’s leaves and sprouts. Moreover, the herb is used to support treatment of the respiratory, alimentary and urinary system disorders. A decoction of the plant is recommended for its analgesic effect.
Preparations:
Dried, ground herb
WIRA-WIRA – CULCITIUM CANESCENS
Due to the characteristic shape of its leaves the plant is sometimes called “rabbit’s ears”. Decoctions of dried parts of the plant are used in anti-inflammatory therapies of the respiratory system. It also has a diaphoretic and expectorant action.
Preparations:
Dried, ground parts of the plant
CHUCHUHUASI – MAYTENUS MACROCARPA
Chuchuhuasi is a large tree, up to 30 metres in height, with reddish-brown bark, leathery, lustrous leaves and small white flowers. It grows in the tropical regions of South America.
A decoction prepared from the bark and roots abounds in pharmacologically active substances, which are responsible for its applications in rheumatism, arthritis (as an analgesic), upper airways disorders, flu, diarrhoea and antitumour therapies (by enhancing immunity of the body). The herb has also proved effective in the treatment of cardiovascular system disorders. Another important property of the plant is the effect of active substances contained in the plant on the functions of the nervous system. For that reason, the herb became the basis of supporting therapies in Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Preparations:
Dried, ground bark of the plant
COPAIBA – COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS (HERZ.)DWYER.
Copaiba is a branchy tree up to 30 metres high that grows in Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. The material used in phytotherapy is the resin derived from the tree’s trunk, sometimes together with the fruit pulp. The wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant are used to treat skin injuries, dermatitis, dermatoses, mycosis, scabies, psoriasis and ulcers. The above applications are additionally supported by the antibacterial activity of copaiba.
Preparations:
Drops – liquid extract
UBOS – SPONDIAS MOMBIN L.
Ubos is a cosmopolitan tree that originates from the Peruvian Amazon. It is up to 40 metres high and 2 metres in diameter and is characterised by a broad, generously leaved crown and dark orange-red, thick bark. The bark is creamy to light pink from the inside, while on the outside it oxidises and changes its colour to reddish. Incised bark produces transparent resin.
Due to its content of iron and vitamins A and C, ubos fruit has been commonly consumed in the form of drinks, jellies, syrups and other preserves. Decoctions and infusions prepared from the roots, bark and leaves are used to enhance immunity of the body, in asthma, infections, inflammations (of the skin, larynx, etc.), haemorrhages and skin diseases (psoriasis, leishmaniasis) and as analgesics. The plant is also recommended as an adjuvant in antitumour therapies.
Preparations:
Dried, ground bark of the tree
ZARZAPARILLA – SMYLAX SP.
Zarzaparilla is an about 50 metre long shrubby vine with characteristic thorny stems. The leaf thecae are equipped with two clingy tendrils that attach the climbing plant to a support. It is characterised by aromatic flowers gathered in umbels and fruit in the shape of berries. It grows commonly in Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but is also cultivated in many countries of the tropical zone.
The plant is believed to have a so-called blood cleaning action, and thus it is often used in diseases of the liver, an organ that is particularly exposed to toxic substances. Moreover, the plant has a strengthening, antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory action and its antibiotic activity is used to support the treatment of syphilis. Preparations based on Smylax root are applied in skin diseases, including psoriasis. Active substances contained in the plant have an effect on hormonal balance, regulating sexual drive.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered bark of the tree
CANCHALAGUA – SCHKUHRIA PINNATA (LAM.)KUNTZE
Canchalagua grows in mountainous regions of South America, in deserted places, in valleys and on slopes at 2,000 to 3,000 metres above sea level. It is a herbaceous plant used in phytotherapy due to its content of active compounds that support the treatment of skin diseases.
The infusion of the herb is applied topically to eliminate blackheads and pimples. It can be also administered orally to increase metabolism as a so-called blood cleaning treatment which, in turn, has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. In addition, the plant material is used as an adjuvant in hyperglycaemia.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered herb
MARCCO – AMBROSIA ARBORESCENS WILL.
A herbaceous plant that grows in Peru, Colombia and Bolivia, on the coast, in the mountains and in selva, at 1,500 metres above sea levels. It has also been cultivated. In phytotherapy, a root decoction is used mainly due to its antineuralgic action in migraines and headaches. The decoction demonstrates an ability to tone up the nervous system. The antirheumatic action of the leaf decoction has also found its medicinal use.
Preparations:
Dried, ground herb
JARGON SACHA – DRACONTIUM LORETENSE ENGL.
A herbaceous plant of 1,5 – 2 metres in size that commonly grows in Peruvian rainforests but also serves as an ornamental. It is characterised by yellow or orange fruit which is part of the Amazon people diet.
The medicinal part of the plant are the leaves. Chemical compounds contained in the leaves show anticonvulsive properties and are also used to enhance immunity of the body (decoction), in gastric ulcers and both in benign and malignant tumours. Ground leaves are applied externally to eliminate parasites of the skin and in regions where the plant is harvested – also in cases of snake bites.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered leaves of the plant
IPORURU – ALCHORNEA CASTANEIFOLIA (WILLD.)JUSSIEN
A middle size shrub that grows in the Peruvian lowlands of the Amazon basin. It has elliptic leaves and small flowers gathered in hanging tufts. Raw material may be harvested only during the dry season because for the rest of the year the plant is flooded with water.
The pharmacologically active substances are contained in the bark and roots of the plant. Macerates prepared from them have an anti-inflammatory action and are applied orally in rheumatism and arthritis accompanied by dyskinesia, in colds and muscular pains. Ground leaves may be applied as an adjuvant to aching places or wounds. A leave decoction is also used in the cases of bacterial infections, the common cold, cough and diarrhoea. Alchornea castaneifolia leaves are used to regulate hormonal balance in infertility and during menopause. In Peruvian natural medicine dried leaves of this plant are used to prepare hypoglycaemic infusions that are drunk after meals.
Preparations:
Dried, ground bark of the plant
CUTI-CUTI – CHEILLANTHES MYRIOPHYLLA DESV.
A fern growing wild in higher parts of the Amazon jungle, mainly on eastern slopes of the Andes. Pharmacologically active substances contained in the plant have an effect on the pancreas functions. It has been shown that Cheillanthes myriophylla decoction regulates the process of regeneration of cells in the pancreas. Thus cuti-cuti preparations have been used to support the treatment of diabetes and chronic inflammations of the pancreas, including tumours. An infusion of the plant is used to treat malaria.
Preparations:
Dried, ground leaves of the plant
PASUCHACA – GERANIUM DIELSIANUM KNUTH.
The plant has an effect upon the pancreas and thus it is used to support the treatment of diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and tumours.
Preparations:
Capsules containing dried, powdered herb.
Patients who use antidiabetic treatment should keep the diet and control their blood-glucose level.
During hypotensive treatment regular blood pressure measurement is necessary.
GARLIC – ALLIUM SATIVUM L.
It has been cultivated for centuries and used as both a vegetable and a condiment, and for its valuable medicinal properties. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, it shows an antispastic action, lowers blood pressure, stimulates blood circulation and reduces cholesterol level. It is used to regulate the alimentary tract functions, stimulates gastric juice secretion, enhances and accelerates peristalsis.
Preparations:
Dry garlic bulb extract is one of the ingredients of the Pro-Figura preparation.
ALGAE – GIGARTINA CHAMISOY
Algae (thallophytes) are unicellular or multicellular plants, occurring in fresh or salt water or moist ground, that have chlorophyll and other pigments but lack true stems, roots, and leaves. Their thallus is characterised by a high content of water (a fact that has been utilised in cosmetics) and a type of polysaccharides that are not absorbed by the digestive system. The anti-inflammatory and purgative action of the latter as well as their ability to shield and cover the alimentary tract have been widely used in phytotherapy.
Preparations:
Dried thallus of algae is one of the ingredients of the Pro-Figura preparation.
WINAY WAYNA, GUAIACUM OFFICINALE GUAIACUM, LIGNUM VITAE
Description: Natural Order, Zygophyllaceae. A large tree, native to the West Indian islands and Central America, reaching a height of thirty or forty feet; with a somewhat crooked stem, and a dark, furrowed bark. Leaves in two pairs; leaflets broad-oval, obtuse, evergreen, two to three inches long.
Flowers on long peduncles, six to ten in the axils of the upper leaves; calyx five- parted; petals five, pale blue, oblong; stamens ten; style single, short. Fruit a capsule, slightly stalked, five-angled, fivecelled, by abortion sometimes but two or three-celled, a single pendulous seed in each cell. Wood very hard and heavy, fibers crossing each other diagonally, strongly resinous; outer wood pale yellow, center wood greenish brown; used in the arts for a few purposes.
This wood is imported chiefly from Jamaica and St. Domingo, either in logs, or in turnings called chips. The dark center wood is most largely resinous, though the lighter portions are also well charged with resin. The chips or shavings of both are usually found mixed in the chips, and age will gradually give a greenish tint to the yellow portions. It is valued in medicine for its resin, which may be obtained directly from the tree by making incisions into the outer wood; or by boiling the chips in water whoso boiling point is raised by the addition of salt, when the resin comes to the surface and may be skimmed off. It is said the natives obtain the best qualities by cutting off sections of the stem three feet long, boring an auger hole lengthwise through the center, and catching the resin that falls through this hole as the wood burns.
Winay Wayna resin, usually called gum Winay Wayna, comes to market in masses, is of a dark-brown or greenish-brown color, has a shining fracture, and is nearly translucent at the edges. Thin laminae are light green and almost transparent. It smells moderately balsamic; and though of little taste, it leaves a burning sensation in the throat. It softens under a moderate heat, and is then quite fragrant.
Properties and Uses: This resin is an active stimulant, quite local in action, exciting to the stomach and slowly so to the remote circulation, and elevating all the secretory organs by increasing their sensibility and capillary flow. Such qualities at once interdict its use in any case of irritated stomach or bowels, acute forms of dyspepsia, and febrile or inflammatory conditions. Nor is it an agent that should be resorted to for sensitive or plethoric persons, nor for those inclined to pulmonary or uterine hemorrhage. It is best fitted for phlegmatic and leuco-phlegmatic patients, and for maladies where the stomach is depressed and the general activity of the system much reduced. It is most applicable for arousing the secernents in secondary syphilis, mercurial cachexy, and venereal rheumatism; for which purposes it may be added in suitable portions to relaxing alterants. When added to warm diluents, the patient being at the same time surrounded with warmth, it acts toward the surface and arouses capillary circulation and diaphoresis; and sometimes is used in this way for chronic rheumatism and some cutaneous affections, when the skin is cold and flabby, and in very indolent (especially tertiary venereal) ulcers. Diluted and given cold, it acts on the kidneys and uterus; and has been used in chronic menstrual obstructions with atony. The chips possess the same properties as the resin; but act more mildly, and can be employed to better advantage in warm or cold infusion, and in the preparation of sirups. Large doses of either produce dryness and heat in the throat and stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain in the bowels.
Dose of the resin, powdered, from three to eight grains three times a day. It is seldom used thus, but rather as a tincture, or in emulsion. A half ounce of the chips boiled in a quart of water till a pint remains, may be given in doses of one to two fluid ounces every six or four hours. The resin can not be used in sirups; and its tincture will leave the resin floating as a gummy mass, if added to water or sirup. The chips may be treated, in moderate quantities, with other ingredients, without this result.
They are usually compounded with sarsaparilla, rumex, aralia nudicaulis, and similar alterants–from four to six ounces of the chips usually being sufficient in a gallon of sirup.
Pharmaceutical Preparations:
I. Emulsion. Guaiac resin, in powder, half an ounce; sugar, half an ounce; gum arable powder, two drachms. Form into an emulsion by first triturating these articles thoroughly, and then gradually adding a pint of cinnamon water. Dose, half to a whole fluid ounce.
II.Tincture. Six ounces of coarse guaiac resin may be mixed with an equal bulk of dry sand, and then tinctured with two pints of absolute alcohol in the usual way; or the resin and sand may be laid loosely into a percolator, and then treated with the alcohol till two pints pass. This is the officinal tincture, of which the dose is a fluid drachm thrice daily, in milk or water. It is scarcely used. A tincture is made with spirits of ammonia, but is not an advisable preparation.