Cinchona officinalis Linn.

Family : Rubiaceae

Synonym(s) : Cinchona uritusinga, Cinchona condaminea, Cinchona academica, Cinchona crispa and Cinchona chahuarguera

English Name : Peruvian, Crown or Pale Cinchona Bark


Origin : The Andes

Description

A tree 6-15 m in height with rough brown bark, having pale yellow markings inside and dull white ones outside, 7-15 cm long, ovate-lanceolate leaves with reddish green petioles, red flowers in coryliform cymes, oblong, 12-20 mm long capsules and elliptic winged seeds.

Habitat

Tamil Nadu and the Andes (from 6000 to 7500 ft) (including Peru and Ecuador).

Parts Used : Bark and plant

Herb Effects

Antimalarial (plant and bark); antiarrhythmic and cardiotonic (plant); antipyretic, stringent and antiseptic (bark); antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, antispasmodic, bitter digestive aid, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart).

Active Ingredients

Quinine,quinidine, cinchonidine, cinchonine and cinchotannic acid(Plant); quercetin, kaempferol and avicularin (leaves).

Medicinal Use

As a tonic in intermittent fevers, debility, leucorrhea, smallpox, rheumatism, etc.. in skin ulcers and gum problems (bark); sore throat (bark decoction or infusion).

Dosage

Bark decoction: One-half cup 1-3 times daily.
4:1 tincture: 1-2 ml is taken twice daily.
Capsules: 2 g twice daily.

Contraindication

May potentiate blood thinning medications such as Warfarin.®


Reference