Related Terms

• Abuta fluminum, Abuta grandifolia, Abuta grisebachii, Abuta panurensis, abutua, aristoloche lobee, barbasco, bejuco de cerca, bejuco de raton, butua, false pareira, feuille coeur, gasing-gasing, ice vine, imchich masha, liane patte cheval, Menispermaceae, pareira, pareira brava, patacon, velvetleaf.

Background

• Abuta grows in the Amazon basin and other humid, tropical areas of the world. It is known as a "midwife's herb" in South America and is used to treat a variety of women's complaints. In some parts of the world, abuta is used to reduce fever, inflammation, and pain. In the United States, abuta is used mainly for minor reproductive tract conditions such as menstrual cramping.

• Abuta may function as an emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant). However, there are no human trials that have determined the safety and effectiveness of the abuta plant on the menstrual cycle. Future research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

• Documented uses in traditional medicine show that abuta is used as a diuretic (increases urine flow), expectorant (expels phlegm), emmenagogue, and antipyretic (reduces fever). It is also used to prevent abortion, relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, and stop uterine hemorrhages (bleeding). Powdered abuta bark has also used for menstrual complaints.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Acne, anemia, animal bites, antiparasitic, aphrodisiac, asthma, boils, bronchitis, burns, childbirth, cholera, colds, colic, constipation, convulsions, cough, cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), delirium, dental analgesia (dental pain), diabetes, diarrhea, digestion, diuretic, dropsy (edema), dysentery (severe diarrhea), dyspepsia (upset stomach), expectorant (expels phlegm), eye infections, fertility (in women), fever, hematuria (blood in the urine), hemorrhage (bleeding), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), insecticide, itching, jaundice, kidney stones, laxative, leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), malaria, menstrual flow stimulant, menstrual pain, nephritis, palpitations, pregnancy (pain), rabies, rheumatism, shivering, skin infections (erysipelas), snake bites, sores, stimulant, stomach ache, tonic, toothache, typhoid, venereal diseases, wounds.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Safety and effectiveness have not been proven for any dose. For menstrual complaints, 1-2 grams of powdered abuta bark in tablets or capsules has been used twice daily. Abuta has also been taken as a 4:1 tincture in a dose of 2-4 milliliters twice daily.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend abuta for use in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to abuta or any component of the formulation should not take abuta.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Currently, there is not enough available evidence about the safety of abuta. Use in pregnant women is not advised due to possible abortion-inducing effects, although there is controversy in this area.

• Be aware that many plants related to abuta look alike. Some abuta products may be contaminated with these similar plants.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Abuta is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Abuta may cause abortion, although there is controversy in this area.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Currently, there is a lack of available scientific evidence describing drug interactions with abuta.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Currently, there is a lack of available scientific evidence describing herb and supplement interactions with abuta.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Ahmad R, Cava MP. Grisabine and grisabutine, new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Abuta grisebachii. J Org.Chem 6-24-1977;42(13):2271-2273. View Abstract

2. Amresh Reddy GD, Rao CV, Shirwaikar A. Ethnomedical value of Cissampelos pareira extract in experimentally induced diarrhoea. Acta Pharm 2004;54(1):27-35. View Abstract

3. Anwer F, Popli SP, Srivastava RM, et al. Studies in medicinal plants. 3. Protoberberine alkaloids from the roots of Cissampelos pareira Linn. Experientia 10-15-1968;24(10):999. View Abstract

4. Basu DK. Studies on curariform activity of hayatinin methochloride, an alkaloid of Cissampelos pareira. Jpn J Pharmacol 1970;20(2):246-252. View Abstract

5. Bhatnagar AK, Popli SP. Chemical examination of the roots of Cissampelos pareira Linn. V. Structure and stereochemistry of hayatidin. Experientia 4-15-1967;23(4):242-243. View Abstract

6. Cava MP, Saa JM, Lakshmikantham MV, et al. Panurensine and norpanurensine, new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Abuta panurensis. J Org.Chem. 9-5-1975;40(18):2647-2649. View Abstract

7. Ciccia G, Coussio J, Mongelli E. Insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae of some medicinal South American plants. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;72(1-2):185-189. View Abstract

8. Fischer DC, Amorim Gualda NC, Bachiega D, et al. In vitro screening for antiplasmodial activity of isoquinoline alkaloids from Brazilian plant species. Acta Trop 2004;92(3):261-266. View Abstract

9. Galeffi C, Scarpetti P, Marini-Bettolo GB. New curare alkaloids. II. New bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Abuta grisebachii (Menispermaceae). Farmaco [Sci] 1977;32(12):853-865. View Abstract

10. Kupchan SM, Patel AC, Fujita E. Tumor inhibitors. VI. Cissampareine, new cytotoxic alkaloid from Cissampelos pareira. Cytotoxicity of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. J Pharm Sci 1965;54(4):580-583. View Abstract

11. Morita H, Matsumoto K, Takeya K, et al. Structures and solid state tautomeric forms of two novel antileukemic tropoloisoquinoline alkaloids, pareirubrines A and B, from Cissampelos pareira. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1993;41(8):1418-1422. View Abstract

12. Ramirez I, Carabot A, Melendez P, et al. Cissampeloflavone, a chalcone-flavone dimer from Cissampelos pareira. Phytochemistry 2003;64(2):645-647. View Abstract

13. Steele JC, Simmonds MS, Veitch NC, et al. Evaluation of the anti-plasmodial activity of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Abuta grandifolia. Planta Med 1999;65(5):413-416. View Abstract

14. Sur RN, Pradhan SN. Studies on cissampelos alkaloids. I. Action of hayatin derivatives on the central nervous system of cats and dogs. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 11-1-1964;152:106-114. View Abstract