Chuchuhuasi
Maytenus macrocarpaIts name is said to mean “trembling back” in Quechua; it is believed to heal a back shaking with pain.
What is Chuchuhuasi?
Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa) is a plant of the Celastraceae family. Traditions that use it: Amazon. Part used: bark.
What is Chuchuhuasi used for?
Traditional use: The bark is steeped in sugarcane spirit (aguardiente) and drunk for rheumatism, back pain and fatigue. Scientific evidence: traditional. Lab studies show anti-inflammatory effects.
Is Chuchuhuasi safe?
Safety label: caution. It is prepared with alcohol, so the risks of alcohol apply. Not for use in pregnancy or liver disease.
Traditional use
The bark is steeped in sugarcane spirit (aguardiente) and drunk for rheumatism, back pain and fatigue. It is the best-known herbal liquor sold in Iquitos.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Bark on the market can come from several different Maytenus species.
Preparation
The bark is steeped in alcohol for a few days.
What science says
Lab studies show anti-inflammatory effects. There are no human studies.
Safety
It is prepared with alcohol, so the risks of alcohol apply. Not for use in pregnancy or liver disease.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Drugs that interact with alcohol (sedatives, metronidazole, diabetes drugs) | Traditionally prepared by steeping in alcohol. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Chuchuhuasi.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchChuchuhuasha, a drug used in folk medicine in the Amazonian and Andean areas
- ResearchChuchuhuasha: Amazon ve And halk tıbbında kullanılan bir drog, kimyasal çalışma
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Maytenus macrocarpa
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe