Wildcrafted Simarouba Amara
Also known as: Simarouba amara (Aubl.), Paradise Tree, Laxmitaru, Simarouba amara
Overview
Simarouba amara, commonly known as the Paradise Tree, is a plant native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has a history of traditional use in folk medicine for various ailments, including malaria, inflammation, and fever. The plant is characterized by its potential hepatoprotective, antimalarial, anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal properties. Traditionally, different parts of the plant, such as the bark and leaves, are used to prepare remedies. While research has explored these properties, most studies are preclinical or small-scale, highlighting the need for more extensive clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety in humans. Simarouba amara is available in various forms, including extracts and powders, derived from different parts of the plant. Its traditional uses and promising pharmacological properties make it a subject of ongoing scientific interest.
Benefits
Simarouba amara has several potential health benefits supported by preclinical studies. It exhibits hepatoprotective effects, with animal studies showing that extracts can reduce liver damage markers and enhance liver regeneration. Glaucarubinone, a compound isolated from Simarouba, demonstrates antimalarial activity. Additionally, some studies suggest anticancer effects, particularly in pancreatic cancer, although these findings are preliminary. The bark extracts of Simarouba amara have also shown antibacterial and antidiarrheal properties in animal models. However, it's important to note that most of these benefits are based on preclinical studies, and human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosages and safety profiles. The effect sizes and clinical significance in human populations are not yet well-quantified.
How it works
The hepatoprotective effects of Simarouba amara may be attributed to its antioxidant properties, which involve increasing catalase levels and reducing lipid peroxidation in the liver. This interaction enhances the liver's regenerative capacity and protects it against oxidative damage. Glaucarubinone, a key compound in Simarouba, targets P21-activated kinases (PAK) in cancer cells, potentially inhibiting their growth and proliferation. The antibacterial and antidiarrheal activities are likely due to the plant's bioactive compounds interfering with bacterial growth and reducing intestinal inflammation. However, the exact mechanisms of action, absorption, and bioavailability of Simarouba amara and its constituents in humans are not yet fully understood and require further investigation.
Side effects
The safety profile of Simarouba amara is not well-documented due to limited human studies. While it is generally considered safe based on traditional use, formal safety studies are lacking. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are largely unknown. Drug interactions have not been thoroughly studied, and no formal contraindications have been established. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult healthcare providers before using Simarouba amara, as there is insufficient data on its safety during these periods. Given the limited safety data, it is crucial to approach Simarouba amara with caution and seek professional medical advice before incorporating it into any health regimen, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
Due to the limited human studies, there is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for Simarouba amara. Animal studies have used doses ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg body weight for hepatoprotective effects, but these dosages cannot be directly translated to humans. Typically, it is used as an aqueous extract in traditional medicine. Timing considerations and absorption factors are not well-studied. Without sufficient human data, it is difficult to provide specific dosage recommendations. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using Simarouba amara to determine a safe and appropriate dosage based on individual health status and intended use.
FAQs
Is Simarouba amara safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Due to a lack of safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using Simarouba amara to ensure it does not pose any risks to the mother or child.
Can Simarouba amara be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment?
No, Simarouba amara should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment without consulting a healthcare provider. It may have potential health benefits, but it is not a replacement for established medical care.
What are the expected results from using Simarouba amara?
The expected results can vary based on the intended use, such as hepatoprotection or antimalarial effects. However, due to limited human studies, the effectiveness and specific outcomes are not well-established.
Are there any known drug interactions with Simarouba amara?
Drug interactions with Simarouba amara have not been well-studied. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
How should Simarouba amara be administered?
Simarouba amara is typically used as an aqueous extract. However, specific timing and administration guidelines are not well-established. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25365298/ – This animal study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Simarouba amara aqueous extract in rats. The findings indicated that the extract reduced liver damage markers and enhanced liver regeneration, suggesting potential benefits for liver health. However, the study's limitation is that it was conducted on animals and lacks human data.
- https://www.entomologyjournals.com/assets/archives/2022/vol7issue8/7-7-18-407.pdf – This preclinical study focused on the antimalarial activities of Glaucarubinone, a compound isolated from Simarouba amara. The results showed promising antimalarial activity, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent against malaria. The study is limited by its preclinical nature, and further human clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
- https://www.sysrevpharm.org/articles/therapeutic-potential-of-phytochemicals-isolated-from-simarouba-glauca-for-inhibiting-cancers-a-review.pdf – This review discusses the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals isolated from Simarouba glauca for inhibiting cancers. It highlights that compounds from Simarouba may have anticancer effects, particularly in pancreatic cancer. The review suggests potential therapeutic uses but requires further human studies to confirm these effects.
- https://japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/2913_pdf.pdf – This preclinical study examined the antibacterial and antidiarrheal activities of Simarouba amara bark extracts in animal models. The findings demonstrated that the extracts have antibacterial and antidiarrheal effects, providing preliminary evidence of additional health benefits. However, the study is limited to animal models, and human studies are needed to validate these results.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/s/simarouba+amara+simaroubaceae – This resource provides an overview of Simarouba amara and its various applications. It highlights the plant's traditional uses and pharmacological properties, including its potential hepatoprotective, antimalarial, and anticancer activities. The information is based on a compilation of research findings, but further studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.