Overview
Anti-inflammatory support for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; chronic inflammatory GI disorders (colitis, diverticulitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers); investigated for viral infections (e.g., herpes viruses, HIV) and immune modulation; ongoing research includes Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s, MS, SLE.
Plant family
Rubiaceae
Parts used
Roots, root bark, stem bark, and leaves
Actions
Anti-inflammatory · Tonic
Affinities
Immune · Musculoskeletal · Digestive
Body systems
Immune · Musculoskeletal · Digestive
Tissue states
Traditional use
Used historically in Central/South America for dysentery, fevers, inflammation, stomach ulcers, arthritis; also noted as a form of birth control in some contexts (per course text).
Current use
Anti-inflammatory support for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; chronic inflammatory GI disorders (colitis, diverticulitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers); investigated for viral infections (e.g., herpes viruses, HIV) and immune modulation; ongoing research includes Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s, MS, SLE.
Preparation
Oral: capsules/tablets; decoction; tincture (per course text).
Dosage guidance
Typical oral dose: 350–500 mg, 1–2×/day. Decoction: 1 g root bark boiled ~15 min in 250 mL water, 1–3×/day. Tincture: 1–2 mL, 2–3×/day. (Course text also notes a cancer-use prep: boil 6.5 g dried bark in water for 3 hours; ingest for 15 days.)
Cautions & contraindications
Immunostimulant: contraindicated with autoimmune disorders; specifically avoid with multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) per course text. May lower blood pressure and aggravate hypotension; use caution with antihypertensive medication. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of reliable safety info; course text notes potential birth-control association. Possible adverse effects: headache, dizziness, vomiting. May interfere with immunosuppressant drugs/therapy (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, prednisone, etc.). Preliminary evidence suggests possible CYP3A4 inhibition; use caution with CYP3A4-metabolized drugs (examples listed in text: lovastatin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam).
Evidence notes
Course text + quiz cues: immunostimulant; avoid with autoimmune disorders; investigated for cancer and viral infections; two chemotypes (POAs vs TOAs) matter for effectiveness.