DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Angostura (Galipea officinalis, Angostura trifoliata)

March 22, 2017

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Angostura (Galipea officinalis, Angostura trifoliata)

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2013 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Related Terms

  • Allocspariene, Angostura trifoliata, Angostura trifoliate, Bonplandia trifoliata Willd., candicine, Cusparia febrifuga Humb. ex DC., Cusparia felorifuga, Cusparia trifoliata (Willd.) Engl., Galipea, Galipea officinalis, galipinine, quinolones, Rutaceae (family), tetrahydroquinolines.

Background

  • Angostura (Galipea officinalis, Angostura trifoliata) is a shrub-like tree that has been studied for its potential antibiotic and cytotoxic (cell killing) activity. The bark is thought to be the main source of its medicinal properties.

  • Although the angostura tree and Angostura® aromatic bitters bear the same name, the bitters were named after the city, Angostura, Venezuela, and the proprietary formula is not said to contain angostura.

  • There is not enough human data available to support the use of angostura for any indication.

Scientific Evidence

Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

No available studies qualify for inclusion in the evidence table.

*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

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.

  • Antibacterial, cancer, digestive, malaria, tuberculosis.

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)

  • There is no proven safe or effective dose for angostura.

Children (under 18 years old)

  • There is no proven safe or effective dose for angostura.

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

  • Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to angostura, its constituents, or members of the Rutaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

  • Angostura should be used with caution in patients taking antibiotics or being treated for tuberculosis.

  • Angostura should be used with caution in patients taking anti-cancer or anti-malaria drugs.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Angostura cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of scientific safety data.

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

  • Angostura may interact with anti-malaria or anti-cancer drugs.

  • Angostura may interact with antibiotics that fight tuberculosis-causing bacteria.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

  • Angostura may interact with herbs and supplements that have activity against malaria and the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

  • Angostura may interact with herbs and supplements with anti-cancer activity.

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. Houghton PJ, Woldemariam TZ, Watanabe Y, et al. Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis of alkaloid constituents of Angostura bark, Galipea officinalis. Planta Med 1999;65(3):250-254. View Abstract

  2. Jacquemond-Collet I, Benoit-Vical F, Valentin A, et al. Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activity of galipinine and other tetrahydroquinolines from Galipea officinalis. Planta Med 2002;68(1):68-69. View Abstract

  3. Jacquemond-Collet I, Bessiere JM, Hannedouche S, et al. Identification of the alkaloids of Galipea officinalis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Phytochem Anal 2001;12(5):312-319. View Abstract

  4. Jacquemond-Collet I, Hannedouche S, Fouraste I, et al. Novel quinoline alkaloid from trunk bark of Galipea officinalis. Fitoterapia 2000;71(5):605-606. View Abstract

  5. Rakotoson JH, Fabre N, Jacquemond-Collet I, et al. Alkaloids from Galipea officinalis. Planta Med 1998;64(8):762-763. View Abstract

Copyright © 2013 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Updated:  

March 22, 2017