Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:
- 2-O-glucosylsamaderine C (10), 18-oxyquaxine, ailanthus, amargo, bitter ash, bitter bark, bitterholz, bitterwood, bois amer, C19 quassinoid glycoside, 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.
Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness
Brief Background:
- A tall tree of Jamaica and neighboring islands, quassia 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 clinical studies performed on quassia verified its traditional use as a natural insecticide, documenting it as an effective treatment for head lice infestation in humans. Since quassia has long been used for malaria in South America, researchers studied this biological effect as well. One study showed strong in vivo antimalarial activity in mice.
- There is preliminary evidence that quassia may be useful in the treatment of leukemia or gastric ulcers. Quassia also may have pain relieving, muscle relaxing, and sedating effects, but currently there are no formal human clinical trials available confirming this.
Dosing/Toxicology
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Precautions/Contraindications
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Interactions
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.
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Mechanism of Action
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History
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Evidence Table
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Evidence Discussion
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Products Studied
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Author Information
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References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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