Background
- Abuta grows in the Amazon basin and other humid, tropical areas of the world. It is known as a "midwife's herb" in South America and is used to treat a variety of women's complaints. In some parts of the world, abuta is used to reduce fever, inflammation, and pain. In the United States, abuta is used mainly for minor reproductive tract conditions such as menstrual cramping.
- Abuta may function as an emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant). However, there are no human trials that have determined the safety and effectiveness of the abuta plant on the menstrual cycle. Future research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
- Documented uses in traditional medicine show that abuta is used as a diuretic (increases urine flow), expectorant (expels phlegm), emmenagogue, and antipyretic (reduces fever). It is also used to prevent abortion, relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, and stop uterine hemorrhages (bleeding). Powdered abuta bark has also used for menstrual complaints.
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 . Selected references are listed below.
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View Abstract - Galeffi C, Scarpetti P, Marini-Bettolo GB. New curare alkaloids. II. New bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Abuta grisebachii (Menispermaceae). Farmaco [Sci] 1977;32(12):853-865.
View Abstract - Kupchan SM, Patel AC, Fujita E. Tumor inhibitors. VI. Cissampareine, new cytotoxic alkaloid from Cissampelos pareira. Cytotoxicity of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. J Pharm Sci 1965;54(4):580-583.
View Abstract - Morita H, Matsumoto K, Takeya K, et al. Structures and solid state tautomeric forms of two novel antileukemic tropoloisoquinoline alkaloids, pareirubrines A and B, from Cissampelos pareira. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1993;41(8):1418-1422.
View Abstract - Ramirez I, Carabot A, Melendez P, et al. Cissampeloflavone, a chalcone-flavone dimer from Cissampelos pareira. Phytochemistry 2003;64(2):645-647.
View Abstract - Steele JC, Simmonds MS, Veitch NC, et al. Evaluation of the anti-plasmodial activity of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Abuta grandifolia. Planta Med 1999;65(5):413-416.
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