Bitterwood

Bitterwood(Quassia amara), also known as the bitterwood tree, is a plant whose wood is used as a medicine. Bitterwood is used to treat an eating disorder called anorexia, indigestion, constipation and fever. Bitterwood is also used as a tonic, laxative and mouthwash, and to combat various types of intestinal worms. Some people apply bitterwood directly to the scalp in case of lice infestation. Bitterwood is used rectally to treat worm infestations. In industrial production, bitterwood is used as a flavoring agent in the production of beer, drinks, lozenges and laxatives. The bark and wood are used as an insecticide.

How does bitterwood work?

Bitterwood contains chemicals that may increase the secretion of stomach acid and bile acid, which may be responsible for its appetite stimulating and digestive effects. Other chemicals may have activity against bacteria, fungi and mosquito larvae.

How effective is bitterwood?

There is not enough scientific data to be able to make a statement about the effectiveness of bitterwood on aphid infestations. There is evidence that a single application of bitterwood tincture can kill head lice, but the lice sometimes come back. Some scientists suggest that two applications within a week may be more effective than a single application. There is also not enough information on the effectiveness of bitterwood for loss of appetite, stomach upset, constipation, fever and worm infestation. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of bitterwood in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Bitterwood appears to be safe and harmless when taken in normal food quantities. However, bitterwood may not be safe and harmless when taken orally in medicinal quantities. Bitterwood can cause side effects such as irritation of the mouth, throat and digestive tract in conjunction with nausea and vomiting. In very large amounts, bitterwood could cause abnormal heart function, but most people vomit before ingesting a dose high enough to cause heart problems. Long-term use can cause changes in vision and blindness. It is not known whether bitterwood applied to the skin or used rectally is safe and harmless.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Bitterwood is not safe to take orally during pregnancy and lactation. It can cause cell damage and nausea.

Not enough is known about whether applying bitterwood to the skin or scalp during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe and harmless, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from such use to be on the safe side.

Digestive tract problems including stomach and intestinal ulcers, Crohn's disease, infections and many other conditions: Bitterwood can irritate the digestive tract in large quantities. For this reason, bitterwood should not be used if you suffer from any of these conditions.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining bitterwood with the following medications:

Diuretics

Bitterwood appears to act as a diuretic. Bitterwood and diuretics could cause the body to excrete potassium together with the excreted water. Taking bitterwood in combination with diuretics could lower the potassium levels in the body too much

Acid blockers

Acid blockers are used to reduce the acidity of stomach acid. Bitterwood could increase stomach acid production. By increasing stomach acid production in this way, bitter wood could reduce the effectiveness of acid blockers.

Drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors)

Bitterwood could increase stomach acid production. By increasing gastric acid production, bitter wood could reduce the effectiveness of drugs to reduce gastric acid production.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of bitterwood depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for bitterwood. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

Evans DA, Raj RK. Larvicidal efficacy of Quassin against Culex quinquefasciatus. Indian J Med Res 1991;93:324-7.
Jensen O, Nielsen AO, Bjerregaard P. Pediculosis capitis treated with quassia tincture. Acta Derm Venereol 1978;58:557-9.