Cinchona pubescens
Cinchona pubescens
Cinchona pubescens is a traditional medicinal plant native to South America. It has been used in indigenous Andean medicine for centuries, particularly for treating malaria and other febrile diseases. Scientific studies have shown that cinchonine from this plant exhibits multiple biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings. The plant's aqueous extracts can be used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles with moderate biological activities, and CQDs (carbon quantum dots) derived from Cinchona pubescens show potential for targeted drug delivery by carrying carboplatin and releasing it in acidic environments. Additionally, the plant is known to associate with diverse AM fungi, showing variability in fungal communities on Santa Cruz Island compared to mainland Ecuador. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been noted thus far.
- Traditionally for
- malaria
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- malaria
What the science says
- Cinchonine exhibits multiple biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
- The study found that aqueous extracts from Cinchona pubescens could be used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles with moderate biological activities.
- CQDs synthesized from Cinchona Pubescens Vahl can carry carboplatin and release it in acidic environments, showing potential for targeted drug delivery.
- The study found that Cinchona pubescens associates with diverse AM fungi, with different communities on Santa Cruz Island and mainland Ecuador.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cinchona pubescens?
Cinchona pubescens (Cinchona pubescens) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Cinchona pubescens traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Cinchona pubescens for: malaria. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Cinchona pubescens?
Cinchona pubescens appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cinchona pubescens?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cinchona pubescens; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cinchonine exhibits multiple biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
How strong is the evidence for Cinchona pubescens?
The strongest finding for Cinchona pubescens carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cinchona pubescens safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cinchona pubescens in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cinchona pubescens interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cinchona pubescens in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cinchona pubescens?
Cinchona pubescens is also known as: Quinquina rouge.
Is Cinchona pubescens 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 Green nanoarchitectonics of carbon quantum dots from Cinchona Pubescens Vahl as targeted and controlled drug cancer nanocarrier. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cinchonine: A Versatile Pharmacological Agent Derived from Natural Cinchona Alkaloids. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Globally Distributed Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated With Invasive Cinchona pubescens on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plant-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Cinchona calisaya Wedd. and Cinchona pubescens Vahl: physicochemical characterisation and biological activities. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Cinchona pubescens CC BY-SA 4.0