- Chuchuhuasi refers to several different species of the Maytenus genus. Maytenus may be found around the world and may be used in a variety of traditional medicine systems. Typically, however, Maytenus macrocarpa, Maytenus krukovii (Maytenus
chuchuhuasha), and Maytenus laevis are the more widely accepted species for chuchuhuasi. These and other native South American plants of the Maytenus genus may be found in the tropical rainforests. - The bark, roots, and leaves of various species referred to as "chuchuhuasi" have been used in ethnomedicine for many purposes, including the treatment of rheumatism, due to claims of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Chuchuhuasi has also been used for tuberculosis, bronchitis, stomachache, and fever. Chewing the bark of the chuchuhuasi is considered by traditional medicine experts to be effective for the treatment of diarrhea, arthritis, and menstrual problems.
- Chuchuhuasi may contain a variety of active substances. Limited research suggests that chuchuhuasi may be useful in the treatment of skin cancer. However, further research is needed. Clinical evidence supporting the use of chuchuhuasi for any condition in humans is lacking.
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Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovii, Maytenus laevis, Maytenus macrocarpa)
Contents
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.
- Bruni R, Rossi D, Muzzoli M, et al. Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii bark. Fitoterapia 2006;77(7-8):538-545.
View Abstract - Cespedes CL, Alarcon J, Aranda E, et al. Insect growth regulator and insecticidal activity of beta-dihydroagarofurans from Maytenus spp. (Celastraceae). Z Naturforsch C 2001;56(7-8):603-613.
View Abstract - Chavez H, Callo N, Estevez-Braun, A., et al. Sesquiterpene polyol esters from the leaves of maytenus macrocarpa. J Nat Prod 1999;62(11):1576-1577.
View Abstract - Chavez H, Estevez-Braun A, Ravelo AG, et al. Friedelane triterpenoids from Maytenus macrocarpa. J Nat Prod 1998;61(1):82-85.
View Abstract - Gonzalez AG, Bazzocchi IL, Moujir L, et al. Ethnobotanical Uses of Celastraceae Bioactive Metabolites. Studies in Natural Products Chemistry 2000;23:649-738.
- Gonzalez JG, delle Monache G, delle Monache F, et al. Chuchuhuasha - a drug used in folk medicine in the Amazonian and Andean areas. A chemical study of Maytenus laevis. J Ethnopharmacol 1982;5(1):73-77.
View Abstract - Kloucek P, Polesny Z, Svobodova B, et al. Antibacterial screening of some Peruvian medicinal plants used in Calleria District. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;99(2):309-312.
View Abstract - Kloucek P, Svobodova B, Polesny Z, et al. Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal barks used in Peruvian Amazon. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;111(2):427-429.
View Abstract - Melo AM, Jardim ML, De Santana CF, et al. [First observations on the topical use of Primin, Plumbagin and Maytenin in patients with skin cancer]. Rev Inst Antibiot (Recife) 1974;14(1-2):9-16.
View Abstract - Morita H, Hirasawa Y, Muto A, et al. Antimitotic quinoid triterpenes from Maytenus chuchuhuasca. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2008;18(3):1050-1052.
View Abstract - Nakagawa H, Takaishi Y, Fujimoto Y, et al. Chemical constituents from the Colombian medicinal plant Maytenus laevis. J Nat Prod 2004;67(11):1919-1924.
View Abstract - Perez-Victoria JM, Tincusi BM, Jimenez IA, et al. New natural sesquiterpenes as modulators of daunomycin resistance in a multidrug-resistant Leishmania tropica line. J Med Chem 1999;42(21):4388-4393.
View Abstract - Sanz-Biset J, Campos-de-la-Cruz J, Epiquien-Rivera MA, et al. A first survey on the medicinal plants of the Chazuta valley (Peruvian Amazon). J Ethnopharmacol 2009;122(2):333-362.
View Abstract - Shirota O, Sekita S, Satake M, et al. Nine regioisomeric and stereoisomeric triterpene dimers from Maytenus chuchuhuasca. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2004;52(6):739-746.
View Abstract - Torpocco V, Chavez H, Estevez-Braun A, et al. New dammarane triterpenes from Maytenus macrocarpa. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2007;55(5):812-814.
View Abstract
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