Chuchuhuasca

Related Terms

3-oxofriedelan-28-oic acid, 3-oxofriedelan-29-oic acid, 24(Z)-3-oxodammara20(21),24-dien-27-oic acid, 28,29-dihydroxyfriedelan-3-one, agarofuran sesquiterpenes, canophyllol, catechin tannins, Celastraceae (family), Celastrus macrocarpus, chocha huasha (shipibo-conibo), chu chu huasu, chucchu huashu, chuchasha, chuchuasi, chuchuhuasha, chuchuhuasi, chuchuwasha, chuchuwasha blanca, dammarane-type terpeines, dulcitol, ebenifoline alkaloids, epigallocatechin, euojaponine alkaloids, friedelane-type triterpenes, Haenkea macrocarpa, Haenkea multiflora, hydroxytingenone, isoxuxuarine B alpha, isoxuxuarine B beta, krukovine A, krukovine B, krukovine triterpenes, laevisine alkaloids, macrocarpin triterpenes, macrocarpins, makrocarpine, maytansine, mayteine, maytenin, maytenoic acid, Maytenus boaria, Maytenus chuchuhuasca, Maytenus colasii, Maytenus diversifolia, Maytenus ebenifolia, Maytenusguyanensis, Maytenus krukovii, Maytenus laevis, Maytenus macrocarpa, Maytenus multiflora, Maytenus terapotensis, mebeverine, octa-nor-13-hydroxydammara-1-en-3,17-dione, ouratea-proanthocyanidin A, ouratea-proanthocyanidin B, phenoldienones, pristimeran, pristimerin, pristimerine, proanthocyanidins, sesquiterpenes, tingenone, triterpenes, xuxu?, xuxuasin A, xuxuasin B.
Note: The name "catuaba" may be used for the infusions of the bark of several trees that are native to Brazil. The most widely used barks are derived from the trees Trichilia catigua and Erythroxylum vacciniifolium; however, "catuaba" may also refer to the bark of Maytenus species. Catuaba is a remedy common in Brazilian folk medicine.
Maytenus spp. may be found around the world and may be used in a variety of traditional medicine systems. This monograph, however, will focus on Maytenus spp. from South America that are more commonly associated with chuchuhuasi. According to review, several different species may be referred to as "chuchuhuasi," which may cause a modicum of confusion. In addition to Maytenus macrocarpa, Maytenus species that are generally used as chuchuhuasi may also include, but may not be limited to, M.krukovii (M.chuchuhuasha) and M.laevis, and occasionally M. colasii (Salacia colasii).
Other species that have been associated with chuchuhuasi include M. ebenifolia, M. boaria, and M.guyanensis (secondary sources). Typically, however, M. macrocarpa, M.krukovii (M.chuchuhuasha), and M.laevis are the more widely accepted species for chuchuhuasi. Some secondary sources cite that M. ilicifolia is used as chuchuhuasi; however, expert opinion indicates that this species should not be associated with chuchuhuasi.
This monograph focuses primarily on M. macrocarpa, M.krukovii (M.chuchuhuasha), and M.laevis, in addition to M. ebenifolia, M. boaria, M.guyanensis, and to a lesser extent, M. colasii.

Background

Chuchuhuasi refers to several different species of the Maytenus genus. Maytenus may be found around the world and may be used in a variety of traditional medicine systems. Typically, however, Maytenus macrocarpa, M. krukovii (M.chuchuhuasha), and M. laevis are the more widely accepted species for chuchuhuasi. These and other native South American plants of the Maytenus genus may be found in the tropical rainforests.
The bark, roots, and leaves of various species referred to as "chuchuhuasi" have been used in ethnomedicine for many purposes, including the treatment of rheumatism, due to claims of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Chuchuhuasi has also been used for tuberculosis, bronchitis, stomachache, and fever. Chewing the bark of the chuchuhuasi is considered by traditional medicine experts to be effective for the treatment of diarrhea, arthritis, and menstrual problems.
Chuchuhuasi may contain a variety of active substances. Limited research suggests that chuchuhuasi may be useful in the treatment of skin cancer. However, further research is needed. Clinical evidence supporting the use of chuchuhuasi for any condition in humans is lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Limited study suggests that maytenin, a component extracted from certain Maytenus species, may be useful in the treatment of skin cancer. Additional high-quality research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited study suggests that maytenin, a component extracted from certain Maytenus species, may be useful in the treatment of skin cancer. Additional high-quality research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For general use, herbal experts have suggested that chuchuhuasi be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective. The following dosages have been suggested for taking by mouth: 60 drops (2 milliliters) of chuchuhuasi bark extract 2-3 times daily; as a water extract, one cup 2-3 times daily; or 3-5 milliliters of tincture 2-3 times daily. A concentrated powder extract (1-3 grams daily) may be used to make a tea or consumed in a smoothie. Other dosing suggestions include boiling one tablespoon of ground chuchuhuasi in one liter of water for 20 minutes, straining, and chilling overnight, then drinking three cups daily between meals.
For arthritis and rheumatism, one cup of a bark extract taken by mouth three times daily for more than one week has been suggested. Boiling a small piece of the bark (five centimeters, or approximately two inches) in two liters of water until one liter remains and then drinking the extract three times daily for one week has been suggested.
As a stimulant, boiling a small piece of the bark (five centimeters, or approximately two inches) in two liters of water until one liter remains and then drinking the extract three times daily for one week has been suggested.
As a tonic, the inner bark of Maytenus krukovii may be chewed, or extracted and taken by mouth, before eating breakfast for one month.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chuchuhuasi may interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, and antiprotozoals.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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