The cinchona tree is a true natural wealth for Andean South American countries. It is believed that the Incas knew about these extraordinary febrifuge properties for a long time but kept them secret so that the Spanish conquistadors would become weakened by malarial fever.
The Counts of Chinchon, who were rulers of Peru, brought to Spain a vast pack of cinchona bark in the 17th century. Because of its beautiful results in decreasing fever and as a stimulating substance, its use quickly spread throughout Europe as powder, extract, and decoction. In 1920, the French pharmacists Pelletier and Caventou managed to isolate the active components of the cinchona bark, which are two alkaloids known as quinine and cinchonine, and some others.
Currently, millions of people use the cinchona tree and its derivatives for individual prophylaxis (prevention) and malaria treatment.
Cinchona Tree Scientific Facts
- Scientific name: Cinchona officinalis L.
- Other names: Peruvian bark, cinchona.
- French: Quinquina.
- Spanish: Quino.
- Environment: It grows wild in mountain regions of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northern Colombia between 1500 and 2000 m altitude. The best cinchona trees grow in the province of Loja, Ecuador. It is also cultivated in the West Indies, Indonesia (Java), Australia, and tropical regions of Africa.
- Description: Shrub or tree of the Rubiaceae family, growing up to 30 m high. The cinchona bark is reddish or ochre, and large green opposite leaves form the top. It has white or pink flowers.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The bark of the trunk and branches, especially, and that of the root, ground up.
Healing Properties and Warning
Cinchona tree bark contains more than 20 alkaloids, among which there are two pairs of isomers: quinine-quinidine and cinchonine-cinchonidine. These alkaloids give the plant febrifuge antimalarial, stimulating properties, and a bitter taste. Cinchona bark contains catechic tannin, strongly astringent and essences, bitter components, and starch. The most critical applications of the bark are the following:
- Malaria: This is likely to be the disease affecting the most extensive number of people worldwide. It manifests as high fever, profuse sweating, sleepiness, headaches, nausea, and anemia. The causative agents are various protozoa of the plasmodium genus, which attack the red blood cells after being injected by the anopheles mosquito bite. Cinchona bark alkaloids are beneficial in treating acute phases of malaria attacks. They decrease fever, alleviate headache and nausea, and eliminate the general discomfort this disease causes. Cinchona bark has been used for these purposes since the times of the Incas. Since the mid-20th century, pharmaceutical research has developed synthetic antimalarial medicines, such as chloroquine and primaquine, preventing the disease. However, the quinine obtained from cinchona bark is still successfully used, especially in rural South America and Asia.
- Febrile condition: Cinchona bark decreases the fever caused by many other infectious diseases besides malaria. Its beneficial effects are enhanced because it promotes the elimination of blood toxins, both through the skin and through the urine (depurative properties). Its use is recommended for influenza, viral infections, and any chronic infections.
- Lack of appetite: All cinchona bark, mainly obtained from the red cinchona tree, has a marked appetizer and invigorator effect. Moreover, they are digestive and successfully fight intestinal fermentation.
- Cicatrizant: In external applications, quinine is an excellent antiseptic and promotes healing. It is used for stomatitis (mucosa inflammation), mouth sores, pyorrhea, and pharyngitis. It is also applied as compresses on any wounds.
- Hair invigorator: When applied as compresses, it renders good results in certain types of hair loss.
WARNING! Never exceed the recommended dose in internal use since it can provoke nausea and vomiting.
Other Cinchona Tree Species
There are several species of trees of the genus Cinchona of the Rubiaceae family. Some 18 to 23 species are known; however, the most used and cultivated are the following ones:
- Cinchona officinalis L. is the most commonly employed and the first species used. It is pretty standard in Ecuador.
- Cinchona succuba Pavon, also known as red cinchona, is cultivated because it has a superior invigorator effect on digestive functions compared to other cinchona species. It grows wild in the Quito (Ecuador) and Peru areas.
- Cinchona calisaya Weed. Also called yellow cinchona, it grows wild in Bolivia and Peru.
- All cinchona species, with the exception made of the red cinchona, have the same properties. The variation between one and another is due to their different quinine concentrations (their active component).
How to use Cinchona
- Cold extract: Steep 20-30 g of cinchona tree bark in one liter of water for one hour. Drink a cup before every meal.
- Infusion: Add half a teaspoonful of ground cinchona tree bark per cup of water. Drink one cup before every meal, never exceeding four cups daily.
- Compresses with a decoction of 30-40 g of bark per liter of water. Boil for 10 minutes. Soak the compresses in the resulting liquid and apply them to the scalp for 10 minutes, thrice daily.
- Gargles and mouth rinse with the decoction mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Question
How does quinine from the cinchona tree work against malaria?
Quinine, the primary active alkaloid in cinchona bark, disrupts the malaria parasite’s ability to process hemoglobin. This leads to a buildup of heme, a toxic byproduct, within the parasite, ultimately killing it.
Are there other alkaloids in cinchona tree bark besides quinine that offer benefits?
Yes! Cinchona contains additional alkaloids like quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine. These contribute to other potential effects, including:
Anti-inflammatory: Some evidence suggests anti-inflammatory properties.
Is the cinchona tree used for anything besides malaria treatment?
While renowned for its antimalarial properties, cinchona has traditional and potential uses for:
Circulation issues: It may help with varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Topical use: Cinchona extract is sometimes applied to the skin for hair growth and wound healing (more research is needed).
Can I plant a cinchona tree and use the bark directly?
No. Medicinal use of cinchona bark requires careful processing to determine the alkaloid content and ensure safe dosages. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cinchona.
Are there significant side effects or risks when using the cinchona tree?
Cinchona can have side effects, some potentially serious:
Cinchonism: Overdose symptoms include ringing ears, blurred vision, headache, and digestive upset.
Thrombocytopenia: It can lower platelet counts in rare cases.
Drug interactions: Always discuss cinchona use with your doctor due to potential interactions with medications.
Is cinchona use safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Cinchona is generally considered unsafe in pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. It’s also not recommended during breastfeeding.
Is cinchona bark extract the same as tonic water?
No. While tonic water contains tiny quinine, the concentration is not therapeutically significant. The bitterness in tonic water is mostly for flavor.
Is cinchona endangered due to harvesting?
Yes, many cinchona species are considered vulnerable or endangered. Sustainable cultivation and responsible use are crucial for the tree’s survival.
Where can I find reliable information on cinchona dosages?
Consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional like a naturopathic doctor or a medical herbalist. Dosages are highly individualized.
Is there ongoing research into cinchona and its potential?
Yes! Researchers are exploring cinchona alkaloids in areas like:
Potential treatment for other parasitic diseases
Antimicrobial and antiviral effects
Neurological applications
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 752, 753. Print.
- NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316520/
- WebMD https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-406/cinchona
- RxList https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/cinchona.htm
- Red List https://www.iucnredlist.org/
Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API