Bitterwood

Bitterwood, also known as Quassia amara or Picrasma excelsa, is a tropical tree whose wood and bark are used for medicinal purposes. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in South America and the Caribbean. The characteristic bitterness of the wood is attributable to the quassinoids it contains, which are responsible for its health-promoting properties.

What benefits does Bitterwood offer?

Bitterwood is valued for its wide range of health benefits. To a large extent, these have also already been investigated in studies. The most important areas of application include:

  • Digestive support: Bitterwood is traditionally used to promote digestion. It inhibits excess production of stomach acid and bile, which supports digestion and can relieve bloating, and it also promotes the regeneration of the mucous membranes. (1,2,3)
  • Appetite stimulation: Due to its bitter properties, Bitterwood is often used to stimulate the appetite, especially in people suffering from loss of appetite. (1,4)
  • Antiparasitic effect: Bitterwood is known for its effectiveness against various parasites. It is frequently used for the treatment of worm infestations, lice and other parasitic infections such as malaria. (1,5,6,7)
  • Fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory: In traditional medicine, Bitterwood is used to lower fever and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (1,8,9).
  • Antimicrobial effect: In studies, Bitterwood showed an antimicrobial effect against both fungi and bacteria (1,10)
  • Neuroprotective effect: In studies, P. quassioides exhibited a neuroprotective function that was able to prevent damage to nerve tissue caused by oxidative stress (1).
  • Protection against osteoporosis: In one study, the administration of Bitterwood succeeded in suppressing the proliferation and activity of osteoclasts. (1,11). In this way, it could help preserve bone density.

How does Bitterwood work?

The health benefits of Bitterwood are primarily attributable to the quassinoids, which are among the strongest bitter-tasting substances. These compounds act in various ways:

  • Regulation of digestion: Quassinoids influence saliva and stomach acid production , which makes the regulation of digestion easier (1,2).
  • Antiparasitic effect: Quassinoids have a toxic effect on parasites (1,5,6,7).
  • Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of the quassinoids can help lower fever and reduce inflammation in the body (1,8,9).

In studies, Bitterwood acted comprehensively on the digestive system and showed a positive effect on parasites, inflammation, bacteria, and a range of other modern medical problems.

Side effects and risks

Although Bitterwood offers many health benefits, there are also potential side effects:

Stomach irritation: The strongly bitter properties can lead to stomach irritation or nausea in sensitive individuals.

Liver toxicity: At high doses or with prolonged use, there is a risk of liver damage, as quassinoids can put strain on the liver.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Bitterwood, as its effects on the fetus or baby have not been sufficiently studied.

Conclusion

Bitterwood is a versatile remedy with significant digestive and antiparasitic benefits. It is valued in traditional medicine and, when used correctly, can contribute to supporting digestion and to the treatment of parasite infestations. Nevertheless, possible side effects should be kept in mind, especially in sensitive individuals or with excessive use.

Sources:

  1. Mohd Jamil, M. D. H., Taher, M., Susanti, D., Rahman, M. A., & Zakaria, Z. A. (2020). Phytochemistry, Traditional Use and Pharmacological Activity of Picrasma quassioides: A Critical Reviews. Nutrients, 12(9), 2584. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092584
  2. World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Western Pacific. (n.d.). Medicinal plants in the Republic of Korea: Information on 150 commonly used medicinal plants. Retrieved July 21, 2020, from http://iris.wpro.who.int/handle/10665.1/6739
  3. Niiho Y., Mitsunaga K., Koike K., Ohmoto T. Studies on the Gastric Antiulcer Components from the Woods of Picrasma quassioides (Simaroubaceae) Nat. Med. 1994;48:116–121.
  4. Plant For A Future. (n.d.). Picrasma quassioides Nigaki. PFAF Plant Database. Retrieved September 13, 2019, from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Picrasma+quassioides
  5. Jensen O., Otkjaer Nielsen A., Bjerregaard P. Pediculosis Capitis Treated with Quassia tincture. Acta Derm. Venereol. 1978;58:557–559.
  6. Scragg A.H., Allan E.J. Picrasma quassioides Bennet (Japanese Quassia Tree): In Vitro Culture and Production of Quassin. Volume 21. Springer; Heidelberg, Germany: 1993. pp. 249–268.
  7. Takasu K., Shimogama T., Saiin C., Kim H.S., Wataya Y., Ihara M. π-Delocalized β-Carbolinium Cations as Potential Anti-malarials. Bioorganic Med. Chem. Lett. 2004;14:1689–1692. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2004.01.055.
  8. Wang N., Li Z.Y., Zheng X.L., Li Q., Yang X., Xu H. Quality Assessment of Kumu Injection, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, Using Hplc Combined with Chemometric Methods and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Alkaloids by Single Marker. Molecules. 2018;23:856. doi: 10.3390/molecules23040856.
  9. Song Y.S., Lee Y., Kwon T.R., Kim Y.H., Kim B.J. Picrasma quassioides Inhibits LPS- and IFN-γ-Stimulated Nitric Oxide Production and Inflammatory Response in RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells. Biotechnol. Bioprocess Eng. 2014;19:404–410. doi: 10.1007/s12257-014-0131-4.
  10. Hanif M.A., Bhatti H.N., Jamil M.S., Anjum R.S., Jamil A., Khan M.M. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Essential Oils Extracted from Medicinal Plants Using CO2supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology. Asian J. Chem. 2010;22:7787–7798.
  11. Youn Y.N., Lim E., Lee N., Kim Y.S., Koo M.S., Choi S.Y. Screening of Korean Medicinal Plants for Possible Osteoclastogenesis Effects in Vitro. Genes Nutr. 2008;2:375–380. doi: 10.1007/s12263-007-0062-1.