ipecac
Carapichea ipecacuanha
Carapichea ipecacuanha is a plant traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine for digestive complaints. It is part of the broader use of ipecac root, which has been employed to induce vomiting and treat various gastrointestinal issues. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from Carapichea ipecacuanha may enhance natural killer cell activity against tumor targets in vitro, indicating potential immunomodulatory effects. However, the strength of this evidence is limited by the current scope of research. No major safety concerns have been recorded for the use of Carapichea ipecacuanha, and there are no reported drug interactions associated with its use.
- Traditionally for
- digestive complaints
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
What the science says
- Both Carapichea ipecacuanha and Alangium salviifolium initiate ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis through a nonenzymatic Pictet-Spengler reaction, though they use distinct monoterpene precursors.
- The study found that extracts from Carapichea ipecacuanha enhance the killing potential of NK cells against tumor targets in vitro.
- The ectopic expression of CiLOG7 in the epidermis of internodal segments contributes to de novo shoot regeneration in ipecac without phytohormone treatment.
- Bamboo cells produced N 6-benzyladenine N 9-β-D-glucopyranoside (BA-9G) when cultured with BA, which had moderate cytokinin activity and lower cytotoxicity at high concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is ipecac?
ipecac (Carapichea ipecacuanha) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is ipecac traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record ipecac for: digestive complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use ipecac?
ipecac appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about ipecac?
4 sourced findings are recorded for ipecac; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Both Carapichea ipecacuanha and Alangium salviifolium initiate ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis through a nonenzymatic Pictet-Spengler reaction, though they use distinct monoterpene precursors.
How strong is the evidence for ipecac?
The strongest finding for ipecac carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is ipecac safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for ipecac in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does ipecac interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for ipecac in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of ipecac?
ipecac is also known as: Ипекакуана.
Is ipecac a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Boosting the anti-tumor activity of natural killer cells by caripe 8 - A Carapichea ipecacuanha isolated cyclotide. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ectopic expression of LONELY GUY7 in epidermis of internodal segments for de novo shoot regeneration without phytohormone treatment in ipecac. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis in two evolutionarily distant plants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bioproduction of N 6-benzyladenine N 9-β-D-glucopyranoside using suspension cells of bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra). literature abstract metadata
- T3 Carapichea ipecacuanha CC BY-SA 4.0