Quassia

Related Terms

Ailanthus, amargo, bitter ash, bitter bark, bitterholz, bitterwood, bois amer, gorzkla, indaquassin, Jamaican quassia,Jamaica quassia extract, kvassia, kwassi, neoquassin, palo muneco, pau amarelo, pau quassia, pao tariri, picrasma, quassia africana, quassia amarga, quassia bark, quassia indica, Quassia undalata, quassia undulate, quassia wood, quassin, quassinoids, ruda, samaderines, simarinolide, Simaroubaceae (family), Surinam quassia, Surinam wood.

Background

Quassia, a tree native to Jamaica and its neighboring islands, has traditionally been used as a remedy for roundworms, as an insecticide, and in brewing as a substitute for hops. It has also been used as a bitter digestive aid and a remedy for digestive disorders, parasites, and head lice.
Several early studies performed on quassia verified its traditional use as a natural insecticide, documenting it as an effective treatment for head lice in humans. Since quassia has long been used for malaria in South America, researchers studied this biological effect as well. One study showed strong antimalarial activity in mice.
There is early evidence that quassia may be useful in the treatment of leukemia or gastric ulcers. Quassia may also have pain-relieving, muscle relaxing, and sedating effects, but human clinical trials are currently 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 *


Early evidence suggests the effectiveness of quassia for head lice. More well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm these finding and make a firm conclusion regarding the safety and effectiveness for this condition.

 C


Early evidence suggests the effectiveness of quassia for head lice. More well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm these finding and make a firm conclusion regarding the safety and effectiveness for this condition.

 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):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for quassia in adults.

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
Quassia may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Quassia may interact with antacid medications and has been known to cause gastrointestinal adverse effects, use cautiously.
Quassia may interact with heart medications. Use cautiously in patients with heart conditions or taking cardiac agents, due to possible adverse effects.
Quassia may interact with diuretics; use cautiously.
Quassia may interact with hormonal agents. Use cautiously in male and female patients in couples trying to become pregnant.
Quassia may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Quassia may interact with laxatives; use cautiously.

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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Ajaiyeoba EO, Abalogu UI, Krebs HC, et al. In vivo antimalarial activities of Quassia amara and Quassia undulata plant extracts in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 11-30-1999;67(3):321-325. .
Apers S, Cimanga K, Vanden Berghe D, et al. Antiviral activity of simalikalactone D, a quassinoid from Quassia africana. Planta Med 2002;68(1):20-24. .
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Njar VC, Alao TO, Okogun JI, et al. Antifertility activity of Quassia amara: quassin inhibits the steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells in vitro. Planta Med 1995;61(2):180-182. .
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Toma W, Gracioso JS, Hiruma-Lima CA, et al. Evaluation of the analgesic and antiedematogenic activities of Quassia amara bark extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;85(1):19-23. .
Toma W, Gracioso Jde S, de Andrade FD, et al. Antiulcerogenic activity of four extracts obtained from the bark wood of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae). Biol Pharm.Bull. 2002;25(9):1151-1155. .
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