Background

• Quassia, a tree native to Jamaica and its neighboring islands, 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 studies performed on quassia verified its traditional use as a natural insecticide, documenting it as an effective treatment for head lice in humans. Since quassia has long been used for malaria in South America, researchers studied this biological effect as well. One study showed strong antimalarial activity in mice.
• There is early evidence that quassia may be useful in the treatment of leukemia or gastric ulcers. Quassia may also have pain-relieving, muscle relaxing, and sedating effects, but human clinical trials are currently lacking.

References

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