Background
- Angostura (Galipea officinalis, Angostura trifoliata) is a shrub-like tree that has been studied for its potential antibiotic and cytotoxic (cell killing) activity. The bark is thought to be the main source of its medicinal properties.
- Although the angostura tree and Angostura® aromatic bitters bear the same name, the bitters were named after the city, Angostura, Venezuela, and the proprietary formula is not said to contain angostura.
- There is not enough human data available to support the use of angostura for any indication.
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.
- Houghton PJ, Woldemariam TZ, Watanabe Y, et al. Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis of alkaloid constituents of Angostura bark, Galipea officinalis. Planta Med 1999;65(3):250-254.
View Abstract - Jacquemond-Collet I, Benoit-Vical F, Valentin A, et al. Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activity of galipinine and other tetrahydroquinolines from Galipea officinalis. Planta Med 2002;68(1):68-69.
View Abstract - Jacquemond-Collet I, Bessiere JM, Hannedouche S, et al. Identification of the alkaloids of Galipea officinalis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Phytochem Anal 2001;12(5):312-319.
View Abstract - Jacquemond-Collet I, Hannedouche S, Fouraste I, et al. Novel quinoline alkaloid from trunk bark of Galipea officinalis. Fitoterapia 2000;71(5):605-606.
View Abstract - Rakotoson JH, Fabre N, Jacquemond-Collet I, et al. Alkaloids from Galipea officinalis. Planta Med 1998;64(8):762-763.
View Abstract