Bitterwood, Amargo Bark

Quassia amara

Physical Characteristics

Quassia amara is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Hummingbirds. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern S. America - Guiana, northern Brazil and Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Edible Uses: Drink The bitter principle found in the bark and wood is used as the basis of Angostura Bitters, which is used as a flavouring in gin-based drinks[307 ]. It is also used as a substitute for hops when brewing beer[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antitumor Appetizer Astringent Blood purifier Cancer Digestive Dysentery Febrifuge Laxative Malaria Mouthwash Odontalgic Ophthalmic Parasiticide Skin Tonic Urinary Vermifuge All parts of the plant contain a bitter principle called quassimarin[307 ]. This has a range of medical properties including antileukaemic, antitumor, astringent, digestive, febrifuge, laxative, tonic and vermifuge[307 ]. Quassimarin has been shown to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices, increase the appetite and aid digestion[307 ]. It has been used successfully in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and is also used in the treatment of malaria and fevers[307 , 348 ]. All parts of the plant can be used on their own or in combination to restore the appetite, stimulate digestion and combat fevers, including malaria[348 ]. A tea made from the infused leaves is used to bathe the skin of measles patients[307 ]. It is also used as a mouthwash after tooth extractions[307 ]. A decoction of the bark is used as a blood purifier and to treat malaria, diarrhoea and dysentery[348 ]. A decoction of the inner bark is used to treat colds[348 The stem and bark are used in remedies for treating diseases of the spleen, liver (cirrhosis), and urinary tract[348 ]. The bark is used for treating the weak eyes of alcoholics and, macerated in rum, as a vermifuge[348 ]. Combined with the macerated stem of Tinospora crispa in rum, cognac or absinthe, it is used to make a beverage for treating diabetes and albuminuria[348 ]. A decoction of the wood is used in lotions as a wash for persistent venereal ulcers[348 ]. A decoction of the bark and leaves is used as a wash to rid the skin of external parasites such as agouti lice and as a treatment for measles and smallpox[348 ]. Stem-bark contains the insecticidal compounds neoquassine and quassine[348 ]. Sap shows activity against cells derived from carcinoma of human nasopharynx[348 ]. Plant extracts contain the antileukemic compounds quassimarin and similikalactone[348 ].

Known Hazards

None known