LINK- AUTOR:.

FERNANDO MAIOCCHI
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/gquery
http://www.rain-tree.com/chuchuhuasi-extract.htm
http://www.rain-tree.com/rtmprod.htm
http://www.rain-tree.com/author.htm
Chuchuhuasa
(Maytenus krukovii)

Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Maytenus
Species: krukovii
Synonyms: Maytenus ebenifolia, M. laevis, M. macrocarpa, M. multiflora, M.
terapotensis, Celastrus macrocarpus, Haenkea macrocarpa, H. multiflora
Common Names: Chuchuhuasi, chucchu huashu, chuchuasi, chuchasha,
chuchuhuasha
Parts Used: Bark, root, leaves

From The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs:

CHUCHUHUASI
HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS
Main Actions Other Actions Standard Dosage
reduces inflammation  kills cancer cells Bark
 relieves pain  prevents tumors Decoction: 1 cup 2-3 times daily
 relaxes muscles  stimulates digestion Tincture: 3-5 ml 2-3 times daily
 enhances immunity
 increases libido
 supports adrenals

Chuchuhuasi is an enormous canopy tree of the Amazon rainforest that grows

to 30 m high. It has large leaves (10-30 cm), small, white flowers, and extremely
tough, heavy, reddish-brown bark. Several botanical names have been given to
this species of tree. It is referenced as Maytenus krukovii, M. ebenifolia, M.
laevis, and M. macrocarpa; all botanical names refer to the same tree.
Chuchuhausi is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Bolivia, Colombia,
Ecuador, and Peru.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have been using the bark of
chuchuhuasi medicinally for centuries. Its Peruvian name, chuchuhuasi, means
"trembling back," which refers to its long-standing use for arthritis, rheumatism,
and back pain. One local Indian remedy for arthritis and rheumatism calls for
one cup of a bark decoction taken three times a day for more than a week.
Local people and villagers along the Amazon believe that chuchuhuasi is an
aphrodisiac and tonic, and the bark soaked in the local sugarcane rum
(aguardiente) is a popular jungle drink that is even served in bars and to tourists
(its often called "go-juice" to relieve pain and muscle aches and to "keep going"
during long treks in the rainforest). Local healers and curanderos in the Amazon
use chuchuhuasi as a general tonic, to speed healing and, when combined with
other medicinal plants, as a synergist for many types of illnesses. In Colombia,
the Siona Indians boil a small piece of the bark (5 cm) in 2 liters of water until 1
liter remains, and drink it for arthritis and rheumatism. In the Ecuadorian
rainforest, the Quijos Quichua Indians prepare a bark decoction for general
aches and pains, rheumatism, sore muscles, menstrual pain, and
stomachaches.

In the Peruvian Amazon, chuchuhuasi is still considered the best remedy for
arthritis among both city and forest dwellers. It is also used as a muscle
relaxant, aphrodisiac, and pain-reliever, for adrenal support, as an immune
stimulant, and for menstrual balance and regulation. In Peruvian herbal
medicine systems, chuchuhuasi alchohol extracts are used to treat
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and
menstrual irregularities and pain.

PLANT CHEMICALS

Chuchuhausi is a powerhouse of plant chemicals-mostly triterpenes, favonols,

and sesquiterpene alkaloids. Two of the more well-known chemicals in
chuchuhuasi are mayteine and maytansine - alkaloids long documented (since
the 1960s) with antitumor activitity and which occur in other Maytenus plants as
well. While these chemicals are found in chuchuhuasi, they don't occur in high
enough amounts to really be therapeutic for cancer however. Another rainforest
Maytenus plant, espinheira santa (also featured in this book), is a much better
source of these anticancerous chemicals. Other novel compounds found only in
chuchuhuasi thus far include dammarane- and friedelane-type triterpenes,
which are considered to be some of the plant's active constituents.

The main plant chemicals found in chuchuhuasi include: agarofuran

sesquiterpenes, canophyllol, catechin tannins, dammarane triterpenes, dulcitol,
ebenifoline alkaloids, euojaponine alkaloids, friedelan triterpenes, krukovine
triterpenes, laevisine alkaloids, macrocarpin triterpenes, maytansine, mayteine,
maytenin, mebeverine, phenoldienones, pristimeran, proanthocyanidins, and
tingenone (and its derivatives).

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Chuchuhuasi's long history of use has fueled much clinical interest in the
research community. In the 1960s, an American pharmaceutical company
discovered potent immune-stimulating properties of a leaf extract and a bark
extract, documenting that it increased phagocytosis (the ability of immune cells
to attack bacteria and foreign cells) in mice. Researchers in 1977 reported that
alcohol extracts of the bark evidenced anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities
in various studies with mice, which validated chuchuhuasi's traditional uses for
arthritic pain. Its anti-inflammatory action again was reported in the 1980s by an
Italian research group. They reported that this activity (in addition to radiation
protectant and antitumor properties) were at least partially linked to triterpenes
and antioxidant chemicals isolated in the trunk bark.
In 1993, a Japanese research group isolated another group of novel alkaloids in
chuchuhuasi that may be responsible for its effectiveness in treating arthritis
and rheumatism. In the United States, a pharmaceutical company studying
chuchuhuasi's anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties determined that
these alkaloids can effectively inhibit enzyme production of protein kinase C
(PKC). PKC inhibitors have attracted much interest worldwide, as there is
evidence that too much PKC enzyme is involved in a wide variety of disease
processes (including arthritis, asthma, brain tumors, cancer, and cardiovascular
disease). A Spanish research team found more new phytochemicals in 1998,
one of which was cited as having activity against aldose reductase. (This
enzyme is implicated in nerve damage in diabetic patients.)

In the mid-1970s, Italian researchers tested a chuchuhuasi extract against skin

cancers and identified its antitumorous properties. They attributed these effects
to two chemicals in chuchuhuasi called tingenone and pristimerin. Three groups
found new and different sesquiterpene compounds in 1999, two of which
showed marginal antitumor activity against four cell lines, and one of which was
documented as effective against leishmaniasis (a tropical parasitic disease).
Other researchers found four more chemicals in the roots of chuchuhuasi
(named macrocarpins) in 2000-three of which were documented as cytotoxic to
four tumor cell lines.

CURRENT PRACTICAL USES

If the constituents in chuchuhuasi responsible for inhibiting PKC can be

synthesized, it is possible that a new arthritis drug will be developed. In the
meantime, the natural bark of this important Amazon rainforest tree will continue
to be an effective natural herbal remedy for arthritis, for adrenal support and as
an immune tonic as it has been for centuries. It is best prepared as it has been
traditionally: as an alcohol tincture or a decoction. It normally takes about 3-4
days of daily use to get a beneficial effect for arthritic pain, and up to a month or
longer of daily use is necessary for adrenal support.

CHUCHUHUASI PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method: tincture

Main Actions (in order):

muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-reliever),
menstrual stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall
body functions)

Main Uses:

1. as an analgesic (pain-reliever), a muscle relaxant, and an

anti-inflammatory for arthritis, rheumatism, and back pain
2. as an aphrodisiac for loss of libido (male and female)
3. to cool and balance adrenal function
4. to tone, balance, and strengthen female hormonal systems
and for menstrual disorders, libido loss, menstrual pain and
cramps
 5. as a general tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall
body functions) and mild immune stimulant

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:

aldose reductase inhibitor (linked to diabetic complications),
analgesic (pain-reliever), anticancerous, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, antitumorous, immune stimulant, protein kinase C
inhibitor (linked to inflammation processes)

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:

adrenal tonic (tones, balances, strengthens the adrenals),
antidysenteric, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, digestive stimulant,
febrifuge (reduces fever), menstrual stimulant, tonic (tones,
balances, strengthens overall body functions)

Cautions: none

Traditional Preparation: Traditionally, 2-3 cups daily of a standard bark

decoction or 3-5 ml of a standard tincture three times daily is used for this
rainforest remedy.

Contraindications: None reported.

Drug Interactions: None reported.

WORLDWIDE ETHNOMEDICAL USES

Colombia as a pain-reliever and aphrodisiac and for arthritis, rheumatism

for aches (menstrual, muscles), arthritis, fever, pain, rheumatism,

Ecuador
stomachache, tumors (skin), and as an aphrodisiac

for aches (back, muscles), influenza, arthritis, bronchitis, cancer, diarrhea,

dysentery, gastrointestinal disease, hemorrhoids, impotency, inflammation,
Peru
menstrual disorders, nausea, osteoarthritis, pain, rheumatism, tumors,
virility, and as an aphrodisiac

The above text has been printed from The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie
Taylor, copyrighted © 2005
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage or retrieval system, including websites, without written permission.

† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. The information contained in this plant database file is intended for
education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not
intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant
described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease.
Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database file and web site.
 Referenced Quotes on Chuchuhuasi
3. "ACTIONS: Adrenal support, Libido enhancer, Rheumatism, Fortifies immune system.
TRADITIONAL USE: As an alcoholic infusion, it is used to relieve symptoms associated with
rheumatoid arthritis. Chuchuhuasi is a popular jungle remedy. Useful as a muscle relaxant,
effective in breaking up and dispersing lactic acid. People along the Amazon believe
Chuchuhuasi enhances virility. It is recognized as a general reconstituent. Supportive to adrenal
function.
MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: General Yang tonic, Opens Triple Warmer Meridian / especially
Lower Burner, Dispels cold, Increases Kidney Yang.
EAV POINTS: Bladder 65, Triple Warmer, Adrenal"

12. "The bark of chuchuhuasi is famous in western Amazonia, where it is more commonly used
by people in the urban centers. It seems they now regard it more highly than do the Indians in
remote areas, perhaps because of the ailments they suffer and apply it to. The most common
use in this region is for rheumatism. To prepare the herb for pain, the bark is soaked overnight
in cane liquor, and the resulting tincture is drunk. In Colombia, the Siona Indians take a "piece
of the trunk" (5 cm) and boil it in water (two liters) until the decoction reduces to half. To "cure"
arthritis and rheumatism, they take "a small cupful" three times a day for a week. They also
regard the decoction as a stimulant. In the lowland rain forest of eastern Ecuador, the Quijos
Quichua Indians use the stem-bark of chucchu huashu (trembling back). A decoction of chucchu
huashu (Maytenus krukovii A.C. Smith) is taken for rheumatism, aching muscles, menstrual
aches, stomach aches, and general aching. For rheumatism, the males occasionally take the
herb steeped in alcohol. For a blood-building tonic, the reddish inner bark of this species, which
is described as extremely bitter, is chewed or decocted. This is given to patients recovering from
tuberculosis or who display a pale complexion, and to those suffering from bronchitis, stomach
ache, or fever. No limit is placed on the quantity the patient may drink, but it must be taken
before breakfast for a period of one month."

17. "Tourist shops selling tribal artifacts were opening everywhere, and many of the better bars
were beginning to serve some jungle drinks, especially chuchuwasi. That is probably the best
known of all jungle remedies, in Colombia as well as Peru. It is also a favorite drink, second only
to aguardiente in popularity among men living along the rivers.
Chuchuwasi is prepared by chopping the root bark of a very large tree, Maytenus ebenfolia
(Celastraceae), and letting it steep for a week in aguardiente or white rum. The resulting
infusion is one of numerous jungle potions known as "aphrodisiacs." These are reputed to cure
male impotence, whether due to age or illness, and to enhance the virility of the healthy. But
more important are the claims made for its ability to cure all types of rheumatism, and to act as
a general tonic for women as well as men. I have seen it restore to good health two women who
had each, for some months, been in a very debilitated state of health from some undiagnosed
illness. And I know many people who insist that it is the best of all antirheumatic medicines. I
have also heard reports of its curing cancer and, after several months' dosage, restoring to
normal activity an arm paralyzed by long contact with a toxic insecticide."

21. "Maytenus laevis Reissek, Martius, Fl. Bras. 11, pt. 1 (18 61) 19. coemeni (Kubeo);
chuchuhuasca, chuchuguache, chuchuguaza (Col, Peru); SRS 24266; Le Cointe, (1934);
Garcia-Barriga (1974-5); Acero, (1979)
The bark of this tree is famous in the western Amazonia as a medicinal for a number of
ailments. It is soaked usually overnight in aguardiente which is then drunk as a pain killer-almost
always in connection with rheumatism-and as a stimulant. This use is most frequent amongst
people living in urban societies; Indians not commonly in communication with more advanced
inhabitants usually do not consider this plant to be such an important medicine. However, a
species of Maytenus from the Rio Ica in Brazil contains in its aril 0.85% caffeine and is used
locally as a diuretic (Fiese, 1935).
According to Garcia-Barriga, the Sionas boil a 5 cm piece of the trunk in two liters of water and
reduce the liquid to one liter. This decoction is taken thrice daily over a week-one small cupful
each time-to "cure" rheumatism and arthritis. It is also valuable as a stimulant.
22. "Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa (R. & P.) Briq.) is the bark of the trunk or root of a
large extremely strong tree that grows in many parts of the Amazon. Several botanical names
are given for the same tree (M. macrocarpa=M. laevis=M. ebenifolia).

Chuchuhuasi means "trembling back," a name that may refer to its most prevalent uses. The
bark is commonly soaked in aguardiente rum and taken as a cure for arthritis and rheumatism,
and as an aphrodisiac.

In addition to being a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis, in Peru, the bark is boiled to
prepare a tea used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, upset stomach, and irregular menstrual perlods.
In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil a small piece of the bark (5 cm) in water (2 liters) until one
liter remains. To treat arthritis and rheumatism, a cup of the decoction is taken three times a day
for more than a week.

During the 1960s, an American pharmaceutical company discovered that when taken orally by
mice, the leaf extract produced a potent stimulating effect on the immune system, and
phagocytosis was increased to a significant degree. Researchers from the Catholic University in
Rome, Italy, learned that the trunk bark is placed in alcohol to make a solution used to treat skin
cancer. After analyzing the bark, they noted it contains high amounts of the naturally occurring
antitumor substances tingenone and pristimeran, compounds classified as triterpenes.

The constituents responsible for various uses of the tree in folk medicine was the subject of an
article by Italian researchers at the Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore in 1982. Extracts of the
trunk bark of the Colombian chuchuhuasi (M. Laevis) had shown definite anti-inflammatory
activity. Based on constituents found in the root bark, they attributed the antiinflammatory and
radiation protectant action of a water extract of the trunk bark to antioxidants, such as catechin
tannins and procyanidins. They also deduced that certain triterpenes (tingenone and 22-
hydroxytingenone) in chuchuhuasi, having shown antitumor activity, could account for the
traditional use of the tree in treatments of skin tumors.

Renewed interest in this intriguing herbal medicine appeared in 1993. Researchers at the Tokyo
College of Pharmacy isolated a number of alkaloids from the tree. They note that in Peru the
Indians use the "reddish-brown stem bark" soaked in rum (aguardiente) as a tonic extract taken
before breakfast to treat rheumatism. Perhaps in a few years we will be hearing about their
success at isolating the more active constituents of this famous remedy. In the U.S., Sphinx
Pharmaceutical Corporation of Durham, North Carolina, has also shown interest in
chuchuhuasi. Their focus is on protein kinase C (PKC)-inhibitory components of the bark of the
Ecuadorian chuchuhuasi, Maytenus krukovii. Inhibitors of the PKC enzyme are of great interest
today because there is evidence the enzyme, in an over-active state, is involved in a wide array
of disease processes. Among the diseases in which PKC may be overtly involved are
rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, brain tumors, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Third-Party Published Research on Chuchuhuasi

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

Anti-inflammatory & Pain-Relieving Actions:

Honda, T., et al. “Partial synthesis of krukovines A and B, triterpene ketones isolated from the
Brazilian medicinal plant Maytenus krukovii.” J. Nat. Prod. 1997; 60(11): 1174-77.
Morita, H., et al. “Triterpenes from Brazilian medicinal plant “chuchuhuasi” (Maytenus krukovii).”
J. Nat. Prod. 1996; 59(11): 1072-75.
Sekar K. V., et al. “Mayteine and 6-benzoyl-6-deacetyl-mayteine from Maytenus krukovii.”
Planta Med. 1995; 61: 390.
Bradshaw, D., et al. “Therapeutic potential of protein kinase C inhibitors.” Agents and Actions
1993; 38: 135-47.
Itokawa, H., et al. “Isolation, structural elucidation and conformational analysis of sesquiterpene
pyridine alkaloids from Maytenus ebenifolia Reiss. X-ray molecular structure of ebenifoline W-
1.” J. Chem. Soc. Perkin. Trans. I 1993; 11: 1247-54.
Itokawa, H., et al. “Oligo-nicotinated sesquiterpene polyesters from Maytenus ilicifolia.” J. Nat.
Prod. 1993; 56: 1479-85.
Gonzalez, J. G., et al. “Chuchuhuasha—a drug used in folk medicine in the Amazonian and
Andean areas. A chemical study of Maytenus laevis.” J. Ethnopharm. 1982; 5: 73–7
Moya, S., et al. “Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the antiarthritics of plant origin.”
Rev. Colomb. Cienc. Quim. Farm. 1977; 3(2): 5.

Antioxidant Actions:
Bruni, R., et al. "Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii
bark." Fitoterapia. 2006 Dec; 77(7-8): 538-45.

Immunostimulant Actions:
Nakagawa, H., et al. “Chemical constituents from the Colombian medicinal plant Maytenus
laevis.” J. Nat. Prod. 2004; 67(11): 1919-24.
Moreira, R. R., et al. “Release of intermediate reactive hydrogen peroxide by macrophage cells
activated by natural products.” Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2001; 24(2): 201-4.
Flemming, K. “Increase of phagocytosis activity by Maytenus laevis leaves and Scholler-
Tornesch lignine (Porlisan).” Naturwissenschaften. 1965 Jun; 52(12):3 46-7.
Dicarlo F. J., et al. “Protection of mice against gram-positive bacteria with Maytenus laevis and
other RES stimulants.” Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 1964 May; 116:195-7.
DiCarlo, F. J., et al. “Reticuloendothelial system stimulants of botanical origin.” Journal of the
Reticuloendothelial Society 1964: 224-32.

Antimicrobial Actions:
Kloucek, P., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal barks used in Peruvian Amazon." J.
Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Nov 18;
Kloucek P, et al. “Antibacterial screening of some Peruvian medicinal plants used in Calleria
District.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jun; 99(2): 309-12.
Perez-Victoria, et al. “New natural sesquiterpenes as modulators of daunomycin resistance in a
multidrug-resistant Leishmania tropica line.” J. Med. Chem. 1999; 42(1): 4388–93.
Sotanaphun, U., et al. “Antimicrobial activity and stability of tingenone derivatives.” Planta Med.
1999 Jun; 65(5): 450-2.
Martinod, P., et al. “Isolation of tingenone and pristimerin from Maytenus chuchuhuasha.”
Phytochemistry 1976; 15: 562–63.

Cytotoxic & Anti-tumorous Actions:

Nakagawa, H., et al. “Chemical constituents from the Colombian medicinal plant Maytenus
laevis.” J. Nat. Prod. 2004; 67(11): 1919-24.
Shirota, O., et al. “Two cangorosin A type triterpene dimers from Maytenus chuchuhuasca.”
Chem. Pharm. Bull (Tokyo). 2004; 52(9): 1148-50.
Chavez, H., et al. “Macrocarpins A–D, new cytotoxic nor-triterpenes from Maytenus
macrocarpa.” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2000; 10(8): 759–62.
Chavez, H., et al. “Sesquiterpene polyol esters from the leaves of Maytenus macrocarpa.” J.
Nat. Prod. 1999; 62(11): 1576–77.
Chavez, H., et al. “Friedelane triterpenoids from Maytenus macrocarpa.” J. Nat. Prod. 1998;
61(1): 82–5.
Sekar, K. V., et al. “Mayteine and 6-benzoyl-6-deacetylmayteine from Maytenus krukovii.”
Planta Med. 1995 Aug; 61(4): 390.
Shirota, O., et al. “Cytotoxic aromatic triterpenes from Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus
chuchuhuasca. J. Nat. Prod. 1994; 57(12): 1675-81.

Kingdom Plantae Brugmansia sanguinea (Ruiz & Pavon) D. Don -- accepted -- red
floripontio Calceolaria tripartita Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- splitleaf slipperwort
Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- rocoto Chondrodendron Ruiz &
Pavon -- accepted -- chondrodendron Chondrodendron tomentosum Ruiz & Pavon --
accepted -- pareira Cyperus niger var. niger Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- black
flatsedge Datura sanguinea Ruiz & Pavon -- not accepted Fabiana Ruiz & Pavon --
accepted -- fabiana Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- pichi pichi Lucuma
caimito (Ruiz & Pavon) Roemer & Schultes -- not accepted Mirabilis expansa (Ruiz &
Pavon) Standley -- accepted -- mauka Nicotiana tomentosa Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted --
tobacco Phytelephas Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- nut palm Phytelephas macrocarpa
Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- ivory nut palm Piper longifolium Ruiz & Pavon --
accepted -- pepper Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pavon) Radlk. -- accepted -- abiu
Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon -- accepted -- anu