ipecac
Carapichea ipecacuanha
Carapichea ipecacuanha is a plant traditionally used for digestive complaints in Brazilian folk medicine. The plant initiates ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis through a nonenzymatic Pictet-Spengler reaction, similar to Alangium salviifolium, but uses distinct monoterpene precursors. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from Carapichea ipecacuanha may enhance the killing potential of NK cells against tumor targets in vitro, indicating possible immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, ectopic expression of CiLOG7 in internodal segments facilitates de novo shoot regeneration without phytohormone treatment. In plant cell culture studies, bamboo cells produced N 6-benzyladenine N 9-β-D-glucopyranoside (BA-9G) under lignification-inducing conditions with BA, showing moderate cytokinin activity and lower cytotoxicity at high concentrations. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- 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