Carapichea ipecacuanha

Carapichea ipecacuanha, also known as a crushing root, is an important plant from the family of the Rubiaceae. This plant is best known for its use in medicine, in particular because of its active ingredients that are used for its ematic (vomiting triggering) properties. It comes from tropical South America and is native to countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The plant was historically considered one of the most important remedies in western medicine, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Morphology

Carapichea ipecacuanha is a multi -year herbaceous plant that typically reaches a height of 30 to 50 cm. It has a thin, branched stem and grows close to the ground. Their leaves are arranged, oval to elliptical and about 10 to 15 cm long. They have a shiny, dark green surface with clearly emerging leaf veins.

The plant develops small, inconspicuous flowers that are arranged in anxious umbels. These flowers are whitish or slightly reddish and contribute to the increase by producing small, round fruits that are reminiscent of berries. The fruits are black or purple colors and contain seeds that are important for the increase.

However, the most striking feature of the plant is its underground root system. The roots of Carapichea ipecacuanha are branched, fibrous and of a brownish appearance. These roots contain the most important pharmacologically active substances and are the part of the plant used for medical purposes.

Distribution and habitat

The plant thrives in tropical forests, especially in moist, shady environments. It grows preferably in humus -rich, well -permeable soils that can be found in the rainforests of South America. The ideal living conditions for Carapichea ipecacuanha include constant warmth and moisture as well as shady locations that protect them from direct sunlight.

Historically, the plant was found in the undergrowth of thick forests, especially near rivers or in moist lowlands. Due to the intensive use and harvest for medical purposes, the natural stocks of the plant have decreased in some areas, and it is now cultivated in some regions to meet demand.

Phytochemistry and medical importance

The medical meaning of Carapichea ipecacuanha is in her roots, which contain two important alkaloids: Emetin and cephanel. These alkaloids are known for triggering vomiting and influencing the digestive tract. Emetin is the primary alkaloid that is responsible for the ematic effect. It affects the break in the brain and has been used for centuries to treat poisoning through induced vomiting.

Another important area of ​​application of Emetin is its use in the treatment of amöbenruhr, an intestinal infection caused by amoebas. Emetin shows anti -parasitic properties and was used to combat these infections before discovering modern antibiotics.

However, due to its toxic effects, the plant is used with caution. Overdose can lead to serious side effects, including cardiac arrhythmias, shortness of breath and even death. Therefore, the dosage of Ipecacuanha is strictly monitored in modern medicine, and the use of Ipecac syrup (a preparation that is made from the roots) has largely declined today.

Ethnobotani and historical use

The use of Carapichea ipecacuanha in traditional medicine goes back to the indigenous peoples of South America, which used the plant for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, fever and as a break. In the 17th century, the plant was brought to Europe by European explorers and quickly became a popular remedy in western medicine.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ipecacuanha was a common remedy in pharmacies that was used to treat poisoning and respiratory diseases. It was available in many medicine pharmacies in the form of syrup or powder. However, its widespread use decreased with the development of more modern and safer treatment options.

Cultivation and preservation

Due to the intensive collection of the game stocks of Carapichea ipecacuanha in the past, the plant became less common in some regions. In order to cover the demand for the roots, cultivation efforts in Brazil and other tropical countries began. These efforts aim to secure both the economic benefits of the plant and to protect their natural stocks.

The cultivation of Carapichea ipecacuanha requires careful control of the environmental conditions, in particular the soil moisture and the need for shadow. The propagation is usually carried out by seeds or cuttings, with the plants forming their roots for harvest over a period of about three to five years.