Quassia Chips Dried (Quassia amara)

Identification

Common Name: Quassia, Bitter Wood, Bitter Ash
Latin Name: Quassia amara
Family: Simaroubaceae
INCI Name: QUASSIA AMARA WOOD EXTRACT
CAS Number: 68990-12-5
EINECS/ELINCS No: 273-620-4

Description

Quassia chips are derived from the wood of Quassia amara, a small tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. 

The wood is known for its intense bitterness, attributed to compounds called quassinoids. 

Traditional Uses

Quassia chips have been traditionally used to support:

• Digestive health
• Appetite stimulation
• Liver function
• Parasite elimination
• Fever reduction
• Malaria treatment

Modern Research

Recent studies suggest Quassia may have potential in:

• Antimalarial activity
• Antidiabetic properties
• Liver protection
• Insecticidal applications
• Antiviral effects

However, more research is needed to fully confirm these effects in humans.

How to Use

As a Tisane:

• Use 1-2 grams of chips per cup of cold water
• Steep for 4-8 hours at room temperature
• Strain and drink up to 3 cups daily

As a Bitter Tonic:

• Infuse 10 grams of chips in 1 liter of cold water for 12 hours
• Take 1 tablespoon before meals

External Use:

• Make a strong infusion for use as an insect repellent or to treat head lice

Cautions & Side Effects

• May cause stomach upset in high doses
• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Not recommended for individuals with ulcers or gastritis
• May interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting blood sugar
• Not recommended for long-term use without professional guidance
• Keep out of reach of children

Quality

Choose organic, sustainably harvested Quassia chips. The wood should have a pale yellowish color and an intensely bitter taste. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

References

1. Bertani S, et al. Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) leaf tea: effect of parental exposure on offspring development and behavior. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;102(3):343-349.
2. Toma W, et al. Antiulcerogenic activity of four extracts obtained from the bark wood of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae). Biol Pharm Bull. 2002;25(9):1151-1155.
3. Ocampo Sánchez RA, Maffioli A. Agrotecnología para el cultivo de quassia o hombre grande. In: Ocampo RA, ed. Domesticación de plantas medicinales en Centroamérica. Turrialba, Costa Rica: CATIE; 1987:215-219.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Quassia_de_Surinam

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Surinamese quassia

International Latin denomination

Quassia amara L.

botanical family

Simarubaceae

Description and habitat

• Tree 12 to 15 m tall, with a thick, straight trunk, light gray bark, ash-like in appearance, spreading branches with alternate leaves, oddly-pinnately compound, oval-oblong leaflets 4 to 8 cm long
• Cymes of small, yellowish-green flowers, male or hermaphroditic, the fruit is a blackish drupe
• In the West Indies, Martinique and Guadeloupe, Jamaica

History and tradition

• Used in folk medicine to treat tumors and malaria

Parts used

• Wood, very bitter yellowish wood chips

Dosage forms available

• Wood tincture

Usual dosages

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Quassinoids , bruceantin derivatives
• Terpene derivatives: quassine (and neocassine )

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

Properties

Plant properties

• Febrifuge, bitter tonic, antimalarial activity
• Anti-cancer, antitumor activity against leukemia, skin and colon tumors
• Antiulcer, laxative, atrigent (tonic)
• Insecticide
• Anthelmintic, parasiticide (protozoocide)
• Febrifuge

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

Directions

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Fevers
• Malaria
• Leukemia, skin and colon tumors (?)

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

Known or suspected mode of action

Usual formulations

Regulations

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• Quassine toxicity
  • Nevertheless the quassia extract is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe (en)) under the fema number 2971

Bibliographic references

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep tightly closed, away from the reach of Children and pets.

Do not exceed the daily dose.

This product is not intended to prevent or cure any form of illness or disease.
 

If you are pregnant or nursing ; If you have a medical condition or are in the course of medical treatment ; If you are programmed for theater/operation in the near future, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

This product cannot replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This product has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

For More Information please check our General Safety Herbal products Page