Ciliosemina

Ciliosemina pedunculata

Physical Characteristics

Ciliosemina pedunculata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - northern Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Astringent Cardiac Febrifuge Malaria Mouthwash The bark is a source of quinine[ 46 ]. Quinine contains the alkaloids quinine and quinidine. It is a very effective treatment for fevers, and especially as a treatment and preventative of malaria. The bark is a bitter, astringent herb that lowers fevers, relaxes spasms, is antimalarial (the alkaloid quinine) and slows the heart (the alkaloid quinidine)[ 238 ]. The bark is made into various preparations, such as tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures and powders[ 238 ]. It is used internally in the treatment of malaria, neuralgia, muscle cramps and cardiac fibrillation[ 238 ]. It is an ingredient in various proprietary cold and influenza remedies[ 238 ]. It is also used as a gargle to treat sore throats[ 238 ].

Known Hazards

None known