Wild Rose College and Wholistic Clinic

09/01/1999), Canada - One of the most exciting areas to do herbal research these days is in the Amazon Rainforest. The richness of the resources and wildness of this land stimulates the explorer in all of us. Researchers have been exploring for herbal medicines for centuries and will probably continue this exploration far into the next century. Some researchers consider the rainforest the lungs of the planet, helping to rejuvenate the planet`s oxygen supply. The rapid deforestation, by burning more than 50 million acres of prime forest per year to support cattle ranching in Brazil and Peru, is not acceptable. This has become a serious issue with many. The biological diversity in the rainforest is almost beyond comprehension to the average American. One hectare or 2.2 acres (a very small city block) of the rainforest has more species in it than all of North America. The destruction of these unique habitats continues to cause extinction of many species. Many rainforest species are used locally by the indigenous people for medicine. It is feared by many researchers that myriads of medicinal substances are going up in smoke in this great destruction. The race is on to protect the rainforest and the knowledge that lies deep in its recesses. Can there be cures for the common colds, flues or even cancer or AIDS found in the Rainforest?

There are many herbs which have gained popularity in the last few years and still others that are just starting to be used on a regular basis. Some of my favorite medicinal botanicals from the Amazon are: Cat`s Claw, Sangre de Drago (Dragon`s Blood), Matico, Mara Puama, Guarana, Boldo, Lapacho and Stevia.

Cat`s Claw ( Una de Gato, Uncaria tomentosa) has been shown to enhance immunity in cancer patients by increasing immunoglobulin counts. It has been particularly effective used along with other conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cat`s Claw has been found to be anti-mutagenic (stopping cancer formation). The alkaloids involved need to be activated by stomach acids (HCL), and, therefore, digestion must be adequate or digestive enzymes should be consumed with it. Other research shows this plant has a distinct anti-inflammatory action and immunological moderation activity. It appears that the alkaloids (isoterpodine and pteropodine) are responsible for immune activity. Another alkaloid (rynchophylline) has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol, relax blood vessels, dilate peripheral blood circulation, inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity, and lowers heart rates. But that is not all, still other alkaloids (mytraphylline and hirsutine) are diuretic and have been shown to inhibit bladder contractions and have an anesthetic effect that is 1/3 the potency of procaine. Both U.S. and European researchers have found it specific for cancer of the urinary tract in females. Presently the bark is being heavily used in Europe with AZT in treating AIDS. Some of the alkaloids have been studied for their anti-arthritic quality with fair success.(1-3)

Interviewing local shamans, we get claims that they often drank a cup of the tea daily to ``ward off disease`` as it had ``life-giving`` properties. The shamans say it is used to treat ``bone pain`` and to cleanse the kidney. It was used by women to recover from childbirth. Used as both a wash and drink, Cat`s Claw helps heal wounds. A decoction made from boiling the bark was used for rheumatism, gastric ulcers, inflammation, tumors and as a contraceptive. It was also used for dysentery, gonorrhea, and with other herbs for cancer (especially of the female urinary tract). The decoction has gained a following for use against diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, gastritis, parasites, colitis and leaky bowel syndrome.

Sangre de Drago (Dragon`s Blood, Croton lechleri) is a fairly amazing herb. The red latex, which resembles blood when the tree is injured, can be used to heal wounds in humans. It has also been used to treat fungal infections, for intestinal and stomach ulcers and as a vaginal wash. Locally it is considered almost a cure-all, with its uses ranging from a gargle for sore throat to a remedy for hemorrhoids.(2)

Matico (Piper acutifolium, P. aduncum, P. angustifolium) The leaves of these herbs has great a reputation throughout South America used internally for indigestion, bronchitis, menstrual problems, inflamation, malaria and gonorrhea. Matico is used topically for wounds to stop bleeding, as an antifungal agent, a vaginal antiseptic and as a wash for rheumatism. (2)

Mura Puama (Ptychopetalum uncinatum) is a tree with a scent similar to jasmine. It has strong action on the nervous system, as an aphrodisiac, and as an anti-rheumatic. Some of the significant constituents are: muirapuamin (0.5%), phlobapene (0.6%) resinic acids. Neuralgia, neurasthenia and nervous conditions are treated by drinking the slightly bitter tea made from the bark. This tea is often employed as a fortifying tonic for intestines and stomach; used often as a apertif. It has also been report to be useful for menstrual irregularity, paralysis and rheumatism. Mura Puama is considered the ``foremost sexual stimulant of Brazil``, reported to work on over 70% of consumers.(4-6)

Boldo (Peumus boldus) has mild diuretic, aromatic and stimulant action. It is used to treat both liver and urinary complaints, with claims that the alkaloid boldine will reduce stone in the gall bladder and urinary tract. Others have shown that other alkaloids are probably responsible for this action. The whole plant extract has displayed strong cholesterol lowering properties as well as strong antioxidant activity. It is also used as a digestive aid to reduce gas and as a mild nerve tranquilliser.(4-8)

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is high in caffeine (2.6 - 7 %) and tannins (ca. 12%) and has become popular as both a supplement and as a stimulating drink in USA. It certainly has a stimulant nervine effect and is, therefore, often used by truck drivers and students to stay awake. It has been used for headaches or depressions that accompany menstrual problems. It was used by the natives for treating chronic diarrhea.(4,7,9)

Pau d`Arco ( Tabebuia spp., Lapacho) Pau d`Arco is antibacterial, inhibiting activity of Gram-positive and acid fast bacteria, showing strong activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Pau d`Arco has gained a lot of popularity for use in Cancer therapy. It has been shown to have antiparasitic as well as antiviral activity. Pau d`Arco has also been used extensively for its clear anti-inflammatory activity. (4,10-12)

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) has a glycoside ( stevioside) which is 300 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose). It is now being used heavily world wide (especially Japan) as a sweetening agent. Because of strong sugar companies lobbying against Stevia, its use in the USA has hit many obstacles, but it is now starting to be used more regularly. Stevia is also antimicrobial against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris. Some claim an anti yeast/fungal action, but this is disputed by others. It has also been claimed to have hypoglycemic activity, however follow-up studies have failed to support these claims.(7)

It is no doubt that the richness of the Amazon encompasses many medicinal plants. Can we discover their uses and save them before they are destroyed? The race is on. By the use and acceptance of many of these botanicals in America, we might help fund research in this area and reduce the senseless destruction of one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The botanical and medicinal richness of this area has barely been touched. Let us not have these resources go the way of many extinct species.

References

1. Lawrence Review; Cat`s Claw (Una de Gato); Natural Products; Apr 1996.
2. Duke J Vasquez; Amazonian Ethnobotanical Dictionary; Boca Raton FL; CRC, 1994.
3. Jones K; The Herb Report: Una de Gato, Life-Giving Vine of Peru; Am Herb Assoc 1994; 10(3):4.
4. Duke J; Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; CRC Press; Boca Raton FL; CRC, 1985
5. Bernardes A; A Pocket Book of Bazilian Herbs; Shogun Editoa e Art, Rio de Janeiro, 1983
6. Miller R. A.; The Magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs; Destiny Books; New York, 1985
7. Leung, A.Y., Foster S; Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, drugs, and cosmetics; John Wiley & Son New York 1996
8. Bastien; Healer of the Andes; U of Utah Press; 1987
9.Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal; Jonathan Cape; London; 1931
10. 3. Pfzizer, C., Antitumor Composition from Lapachol and its Salts, CA 70:9075B 156. 11. Lagrota, M., et al., Antiviral activity of lapachol, Rev. Microbiol. 14:21-26, 1983.
12. Jone K; Pau d`Arco, Immune Power; Healing Art Press; Rochester Vermont; 1995