TRIBAL AND HERBAL a substance used in managing discomfort USES

Abuta (Cissampelos pariera) is commonly referred to as the midwives' herb throughout South America because of its long history of use for all types of women's Subjective feelings. The vine or root of abuta is used in tropical countries to Beneficial Effects a threatened miscarriage and to stop uterine hemorrhages after childbirth. Midwives in the Amazon still carry abuta with them for menstrual cramps and pre- and postnatal Discomfort, excessive menstrual bleeding, and uterine hemorrhaging. Abuta is also believed to aid poor digestion, drowsiness after meals, and constipation.

Virtually all parts of the plant have been used by indigenous peoples throughout the South American rainforest for thousands of years for other Subjective feelings and are still in use today. Members of the Palikur tribe in Guyana use a poultice of abuta leaves as a topical Discomfort-reliever, and the Wayãpi Indians use a decoction of the leaf and stem as an oral analgesic. Ecuadorian Ketchwa tribes use the leaf decoction for eye Problem created due to harmful organisms and snakebite. The Créoles in Guyana soak the leaves, bark, and roots in rum and use it as an aphrodisiac. Indigenous tribes in Peru use the seeds of abuta for snakebite, fevers, venereal disease, and as a diuretic and expectorant. Amazonian herbal healers (called curanderos) toast the seeds of abuta and then brew them into a tea to treat internal hemorrhages and external bleeding. They also brew a leaf tea for rheumatism and a vine wood-and-bark tea to treat irregular heartbeat and excessive menstrual bleeding.

In Brazil, abuta is widely employed in herbal medicine today as a diuretic and as a tonic (a general overall balancer), as well as to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is often employed for menstrual cramps, difficult menstruation, excessive bleeding and uterine hemorrhages, fibroid tumors, pre- and postnatal pain, colic, constipation, poor digestion, and dyspepsia. In Mexico, abuta has a long history of use for muscle inflammation, snakebite, rheumatism, diarrhea, dysentery, and menstrual problems.

In North American herbal medicine, abuta is used for many of the same conditions as in South America as well as for inflammation of the testicles and minor kidney problems.

Cissampelos plants, including abuta, contain a group of plant chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids. Since the late 1960s, these chemicals have received a great deal of attention and research. Out of thirty-eight alkaloids thus far discovered in abuta, one, called tetrandrine, is the most well documented. Clinical research over the years has found tetrandrine to have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties. More than one hundred recent clinical studies also describe this chemical's promising actions against leukemia and some other cancer cells, and research is ongoing. However, the therapeutic dosages of tetrandrine used in these animal studies are much higher than one can reasonably obtain from natural abuta root or vine. (The average-weight person would need to take about 2 lbs of abuta root each day to obtain the therapeutic dosage of tetrandrine used in the animal studies.) Other recently published studies examined tetrandrine's possible cardioactive and blood pressure - reducing (hypotensive) effects through numerous pathways and mechanisms of action at much smaller dosages.

Another well-known alkaloid chemical, berberine, has been documented to have hypotensive, antifungal, and antimicrobial actions. This chemical has been used for the treatment of irregular heartbeat, cancer, Candida, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Another alkaloid called cissampeline is sold as a skeletal muscle relaxant drug in Ecuador.

The main chemicals in abuta are alkaloids, arachidic acid, bebeerine, berberine, bulbocapnine, cissamine, cissampareine, corytuberine, curine, 4-methylcurine, cyclanoline, cycleanine, dicentrine, dehydrodicentrine, dimethyltetrandrinium, essential oil, grandirubrine, hayatine, hayatinine, insularine, isochondodendrine, isomerubrine, laudanosine, linoleic acid, magnoflorine, menismine, norimeluteine, nor-ruffscine, nuciferine, pareirine, pareirubrine alkaloids, pareitropone, quercitol, stearic acid, and tetrandrine.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

In 1962, researchers reported abuta demonstrated anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, and uterine relaxant actions in various laboratory animals. Subsequent studies with animals confirmed the plant's antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions. These documented effects are quite similar to abuta's traditional uses for menstrual disorders (including cramping and pain). In other animal studies, a root extract was reported to have a diuretic effect, a finding that confirms another of its traditional medicine uses.

Other in vivo research on extracts of abuta indicated that the leaf has antiulcerous actions and that the root has a very mild hypoglycemic action (only at high dosages). Studies have also shown that the abuta root has other possible therapeutic uses: it demonstrated anticonvulsant actions in mice; and, in dogs, it was shown to significantly lower blood pressure. In addition, test-tube (in vitro) studies over the years has reported that abuta has antioxidant properties; antibacterial actions against Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Klebsiella; and antimalarial effects. One of these in vitro studies also reported that a root extract demonstrated a toxic effect against colon cancer cells.

Abuta is still used in the Amazon and outlying areas for the same purposes for which it has been used traditionally for centuries - as a childbirth aid and for general women's ailments. South and North American natural health practitioners commonly rely on abuta as an excellent natural remedy for menstrual difficulties, including cramping and pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), excessive bleeding, and fibroid tumors. Its ability to curb excessive menstrual bleeding very quickly can be quite remarkable. It is often employed in overall female balancing formulas, in kidney formulas (for its diuretic and smooth-muscle relaxant effects), and, in combination with other plants, in heart tonics and hypertension remedies.

Toxicity studies with animals confirm the safety of the plant; rats given 10 g of abuta per kilogram of body weight evidenced no toxic effects.

Traditional Preparation: In South America, a standard decoction is generally prepared with the vine wood and taken two or three times daily in 1-cup doses. (It tastes quite horrible, however!) The natural remedy in North American herbal medicine systems for menstrual difficulties is generally 1-2 g of the powdered vine in tablets or capsules two or three times daily, or 2-3 ml of a standard tincture twice daily, or as needed.

Contraindications:

• Abuta has been documented to lower blood pressure in two animal studies; therefore, abuta is probably contraindicated for people with low blood pressure. An alkaloid in abuta, tetrandrine, has been documented to have various actions on heart function in animals and humans. Those with a heart condition or taking heart medications should consult with their doctor before using this plant.
• Abuta has demonstrated to be a uterine relaxant and traditionally employed as a childbirth aid. A pregnant woman should use it only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Drug Interactions: Abuta may potentiate prescription heart medications.

All available third-party research on abuta can be found at PubMed.A partial listing of the published research on abuta is shown below:

Uterine Actions:
Bullough, C., et al. “Herbal medicines used by traditional birth attendants in Malawi.” Trop. Geograph. Med. 1982; 34: 81-85.
Tiwari, K. C., et al. “Folklore information from Assam for family planning and birth control.” Int. J. Crude Drug Res. 1982 Nov; 20(3):133-7.
Feng, P. C., et al. “Pharmacological screening of some West Indian medicinal plants.” J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1962; 14: 556–61.
Moreno, M. S. F., et al. “Action of several popular medicaments on the isolated uterus.“ C. R. Seances Soc. Biol. Ses. Fil. 1922; 87:563-564.

Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, & Muscle-Relaxant Actions:
Wu, S. J.," Tetrandrine inhibits proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 expression in human monocytic cells." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2007 Jan; 30(1): 59-62.
Hsu, Y. C., et al. "Antifibrotic effects of tetrandrine on hepatic stellate cells and rats with liver fibrosis." J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2007 Jan; 22(1): 99-111.
Choi, B. H., et al. "Berberine reduces the expression of adipogenic enzymes and inflammatory molecules of 3T3-L1 adipocyte." Exp. Mol. Med. 2006 Dec; 38(6): 599-605.
Amresh, G., et al. "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Cissampelos pareira root in rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Oct 19;
Adesina, S. K. “Studies on some plants used as anticonvulsants in Amerindian and African traditional medicine.” Fitoterapia.1982; 53: 147–62.
Mokkhasmit, M., et al. “Pharmacological evaluation of Thai medicinal plants continued.” J. Med. Ass. Thailand 1971; 54(7): 490–504.
Feng, P. C., et al. “Pharmacological screening of some West Indian medicinal plants.” J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1962; 14: 556–61.
Roy, P. K., et al. “A preliminary note on the pharmacological action of the total alkaloids isolated from Cissampelos pareira (false pareira brava).” Indian J. Med. Res. 1952; 40:95.

Diuretic & Anti-Diarrhea Actions:
Amresh, A., et al. “Ethnomedical value of Cissampelos pareira extract in experimentally induced diarrhoea.” Acta Pharm. 2004 Mar; 54(1): 27-35.
Caceres, A., et al. “Diuretic activity of plants used for the treatment of urinary ailments in Guatemala.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 1987; 19(3): 233-45.
Kupchan, S. M., et al. “Menispermaceae alkaloids. I. The alkaloids of Cissampelos pareira and the origin of Radix Pareirae Bravae.” J. Amer. Pharm. Ass. 1960; 49: 727.

Cardiotonic & Hypotensive Actions:
Yao, W. X., et al. “Effects of tetrandrine on cardiovascular electrophysiologic properties.” Act. Pharmacol. Sin. 2002; 23(12): 1069-74.
Mokkhasmit, M., et al. “Study on toxicity of Thai medicinal plants.” Dept. Med. Sci. 1971; 12(2/4): 36–65.
Feng, P. C., et al. “Pharmacological screening of some West Indian medicinal plants.” J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1962; 14: 556–61.
Mokkhasmit, M., et al. “Pharmacological evaluation of Thai medicinal plants continued.” J. Med. Ass. Thailand 1971; 54(7): 490–504.
Floriani, J. “Pharmacology of Cissampelos pareira var Gardneri.” Rev. Farm. 1936; 78: 49.

Cytotoxic & Anticancerous Actions:
Issat, T., et al. "Berberine, a natural cholesterol reducing product, exerts antitumor cytostatic/cytotoxic effects independently from the mevalonate pathway." Oncol. Rep. 2006 Dec; 16(6): 1273-6.
Jantova, S., et al. "Berberine induces apoptosis through a mitochondrial/caspase pathway in human promonocytic U937 cells." Toxicol. In Vitro. 2007 Feb;21(1): 25-31.
Bork, P. M., et al. “Sesquiterpene lactone containing Mexican Indian medicinal plants and pure sesquiterpene lactones as potent inhibitors of transcription factor NF-KB.” Febs. Lett. 1997; 402(1): 85–90.
Gessler, M. C., et al. “Tanzanian medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of malaria: in vivo antimalarial and in vitro cytotoxic activities.” Phytother. Res. 1995; 9(7): 504–8.
Morita, H., et al. “A novel antileukemic tropoloisoquinoline alkaloid, pareirubrine, from Cissampelos pareira.” Chem. Lett. 1993; 2: 339-342.
Morita, H., et al. “Conformation of tropolone ring in antileukemic tropoloisoquinoline alkaloids.” Pharm. Bull. 1993: 41(8): 1478-80.
Chapuis, J. C., et al. “Screening for cytotoxic activity of plants used in traditional medicine.” Ethnopharmacol. 1988; 23(2/3): 273-284.

Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, & Antimalarial Actions:
Ramirez, I, et al. “Cissampeloflavone, a chalcone-flavone dimer from Cissampelos pareira.” Phytochemistry. 2003 Sep; 64(2): 645-7.
Sanchez Medina, A., et al. “Evaluation of biological activity of crude extracts from plants used in Yucatecan traditional medicine part l. Antioxidant, antimicrobial and beta-glucosidase inhibition activities.” Phytomedicine 2001; 8(2):144-51
Gessler, M. C., et al. “Screening of Tanzanian medicinal plants for antimalarial activity.” Acta. Tropica. 1994; 56(1): 65–77.
Anwer, F., et al. “Studies in medicinal plants 3. Protoberberine alkaloids from the roots of Cissampelos pareira Linn.” Experientia. 1968; 15.
Bhatnagar, A. K., et al. “Chemical examination of the roots of Cissampelos pareira Linn. V. Structure and stereochemistry of hayatidin.” Experientia. 1967; 15.
George, M. and K. M. Pandalai “Investigations on plant antibiotics. Part IV. Further search for antibiotic substances in Indian medicinal plants.” Indian J. Med. Res. 1949; 37: 169–81.

Neuroprotective Actions:
Asai, M.,"Berberine alters the processing of Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein to decrease Abeta secretion." Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2007 Jan; 352(2): 498-502.
Zhu, F., et al. "Berberine chloride can ameliorate the spatial memory impairment and increase the expression of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease." BMC Neurosci. 2006 Dec 1; 7:78.
 

1. "Abuta has been traditionally used by women who have problems with their menses. Midwives in the Amazon carry Abuta with them for menstrual cramps and pre- and postnatal pain. They report that it prevents threatened miscarriages. In Ecuador, it has been known to stop uterine hemorrhages during childbirth and it is used by men for inflammation of the testicles. Abuta is helpful for kidney stones, other minor kidney problems, and acts as a diuretic."

2. "South American Indian women have used abuta for centuries to relieve symptoms associated with menstruation and to balance female hormones. It is commonly referred to as the "midwives' herb" and has been believed to help prevent miscarriage and stop uterine hemorrhaging."

3. "Brazilian Indian women have used Abuta for centuries to ease the symptoms associated with menses. Commonly referred to as the "midwives herb", believed to aid in preventing miscarriage and to stop uterine hemorrhages."

8. "Brazilian uses and Folklore: Abuta is a very useful herb for women's affections. It's antispasmodic action makes it influential in treating cramps, painful menstruation and pre and post-natal pain. Brazilian Indian women have for centuries valued its analgesic powers, and satchels of almost all midwives contain the root of this plant. In their book, "Medical Botany" (John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1977) Walter H. Lewis and Memory Lewis state, "Cissampelos Pareira roots are used in tropical countries to prevent a threatened miscarriage. The herb is also used to stop uterine hermorrhages" (p. 324) Uses: Helpful for menstrual cramps and difficult menstruation, pre and post-natal pain. Aids poor digestion, drowsiness after meals and constipation. Also used in homeopathy, in the form of a mother tincture."

9. "Cissampelos pareira L. Menispermaceae. "Imchich masha", "Barbasco". "Palikur" use the leaf poultice as an analgesic (GMJ). Seeds used for snakebite; diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, piscicide, POISON, for venereal disease (RAR). Contains tetrandrine, which is analgesic, antiinflammatory, and febrifuge."

10. "Cissampelos pareira L. Menispermaceae. "Imchich masha", "Barbasco", "Palikur" use the leaf poultice as an analgesic (GMJ). Seeds used for snakebite; diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, piscicide, POISON, for venereal disease (RAR). Contains tetrandrine, which is analgesic, antiinflammatory, and febrifuge."

11."Abuta is used by men in the Amazon for inflammation of the testicles. It is also helpful for kidney stones and other minor kidney problems. Other herbs from the Amazon which help establish balance during the menstrual cycle or during menopause include Abuta, Maracuja, Marapuama, Star anise and Una de gato. Many of these herbs do this indirectly by regulating the nervous system. Abuta is always carried by midwives in the Amazon for menstrual cramps and pain before and after childbirth. They report that it prevents miscarriages. In Ecuador, it has also been known to stop uterine hemorrhages"

21. "Cissampelos pareira Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. (1753) 1031.
Garcia-Barriga (1974)
This woody climber, according to Garcia-Barriga, is "one of the principal components of curare." It occurs widely in Colombia, including the Amazon region. The Ketchwas of Ecuador use it as an arrow poison."