jaundice

Cucurbita moschata

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Dominican Republic:

  • auyama

Haiti:

  • jiroumou
  • jiwomon
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

  flower, decoction or infusion, orally2

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to published and other information:

Use for burns is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and toxicity studies.

Use should be limited only to superficial burns (skin injury) that are not extensive (covering less than 10% of body surface) and are located away from high-risk areas such as face, hands, feet and genitals.

For topical application, strict hygiene measures should be observed in order to avoid contamination or additional infection.

Use for jaundice, asthenia and weakness is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use (OMS/WHO)4 documented in the TRAMIL surveys.

Due to the health risks involved in hepatic disorders, an initial medical evaluation is recommended.  The use of this resource can be considered complementary to medical treatment, unless it is contraindicated.  Should there be a notable worsening of the patient’s condition, or should jaundice last more than 3 days, seek medical attention.

Not for use during pregnancy, during lactation or by children under 3 years old.

The fruit and the flower of Cucurbita moschata are widely used for human consumption.

For asthenia and weakness

There is no available information establishing a means of preparation and dosage other than that referred to by traditional use.

For jaundice:

Prepare a decoction or infusion with 5-7 grams of flowers in 250 mL (1 cup) of water. In the case of the decoction, boil for at least 10 minutes in a covered pot; for infusion, add boiling water to 5 grams of flower.  Filter, cool down and drink 1 cup 3 times a day28.

For burns:

Wash injury with boiled water and soap.  Apply the leaf juice in sufficient quantity to affected area.  Cover injury with dressing or clean cloth and replace twice a day.

1 WENIGER B, ROUZIER M, 1986
Enquête TRAMIL. Service Oecuménique d'Entraide SOE, Port au Prince, Haïti.

2 WENIGER B, 1987-88
Encuesta TRAMIL. enda-caribe, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana.

3 HEGNAUER R, 1973
Chemotaxonomy der Pflanzen. Basel, Schweiz: Birkhauser Verlag. 6:882.

4 WASHUTTL J, Reiderer P, Bancher E, 1973
A qualitative and quantitative study of sugar-alcohols in several foods. J Food Sci 38(7):1262-1263.

5 DUKE JA, 2000
Chemicals and their biological activities in: Cucurbita moschata. Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. USDA-ARS-NGRL, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, USA, August 10, 2000. www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/farmacy2.pl

6 BANG MH, HAN JT, KIM HY, PARK YD, PARK CH, LEE KR, BAEK NI, 2002
13-Hydroxy-9Z,11E,15E-octadecatrienoic acid from the leaves of Cucurbita moschata. Arch Pharm Res 25(4):438-440.

7 DUKE JA, ATCHLEY AA, 1986
Handbook of proximate analysis tables of higher plants. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. p55.

8 USDA
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl?squash

9 HERRERA J, 1992
Determinación de parámetros farmacológicos usados en medicina tradicional popular en la cuenca del Caribe. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dep. de Farmacología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

10 PAZOS L, COTO T, CAIZA F, 2008
Antiinflamatorio tópico, en ratones, de la hoja de Curcubita moschata. Informe TRAMIL, Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos, LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

11 VILENCHIK M, 1989
Fundamentos biológicos del envejecimiento y la longevidad. Moscú, URSS: Ed. MIR.

12 HERRERA J, 1990
Determinación de parámetros farmacológicos de vegetales utilizados en medicina tradicional en la cuenca del Caribe. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dep. de Farmacología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

13 WENIGER B, 1992
Cytotoxicité, effets immunodulateurs et morphologique des extraits éthanolique 80% et aqueux de feuille de Cucurbita. Rapport TRAMIL. Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.

14 HURTADO M, CARBALLO A, 1990
Las plantas medicinales TRAMIL en la farmacopea Soviética. Centro de Investigaciones de Fitoterapia y Medicina Tradicional, Topes de Collantes, Cuba.

15 PARIS R, MOYSE H, 1981
Précis de matière médicale. Paris, France: Ed. Maloine.

16 CHEN ZK, PU TC, LI DY, JIANG HA, 1980
Therapeutic effect of cucurbitine on dog taeniasis. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1(2):124-126.

17 ALBORNOZ A, 1993
Medicina tradicional herbaria. Guía de Fitoterapia. Caracas, Venezuela: Editorial Instituto Farmacoterápico Latino S.A. p226.

Cucurbita moschata

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Dominican Republic:

  • auyama

Haiti:

  • jiroumou
  • jiwomon
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

  leaf, aqueous maceration, orally1

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to published and other information:

Use for burns is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and toxicity studies.

Use should be limited only to superficial burns (skin injury) that are not extensive (covering less than 10% of body surface) and are located away from high-risk areas such as face, hands, feet and genitals.

For topical application, strict hygiene measures should be observed in order to avoid contamination or additional infection.

Use for jaundice, asthenia and weakness is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use (OMS/WHO)4 documented in the TRAMIL surveys.

Due to the health risks involved in hepatic disorders, an initial medical evaluation is recommended.  The use of this resource can be considered complementary to medical treatment, unless it is contraindicated.  Should there be a notable worsening of the patient’s condition, or should jaundice last more than 3 days, seek medical attention.

Not for use during pregnancy, during lactation or by children under 3 years old.

The fruit and the flower of Cucurbita moschata are widely used for human consumption.

For asthenia and weakness

There is no available information establishing a means of preparation and dosage other than that referred to by traditional use.

For jaundice:

Prepare a decoction or infusion with 5-7 grams of flowers in 250 mL (1 cup) of water. In the case of the decoction, boil for at least 10 minutes in a covered pot; for infusion, add boiling water to 5 grams of flower.  Filter, cool down and drink 1 cup 3 times a day28.

For burns:

Wash injury with boiled water and soap.  Apply the leaf juice in sufficient quantity to affected area.  Cover injury with dressing or clean cloth and replace twice a day.

1 WENIGER B, ROUZIER M, 1986
Enquête TRAMIL. Service Oecuménique d'Entraide SOE, Port au Prince, Haïti.

2 WENIGER B, 1987-88
Encuesta TRAMIL. enda-caribe, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana.

3 HEGNAUER R, 1973
Chemotaxonomy der Pflanzen. Basel, Schweiz: Birkhauser Verlag. 6:882.

4 WASHUTTL J, Reiderer P, Bancher E, 1973
A qualitative and quantitative study of sugar-alcohols in several foods. J Food Sci 38(7):1262-1263.

5 DUKE JA, 2000
Chemicals and their biological activities in: Cucurbita moschata. Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. USDA-ARS-NGRL, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, USA, August 10, 2000. www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/farmacy2.pl

6 BANG MH, HAN JT, KIM HY, PARK YD, PARK CH, LEE KR, BAEK NI, 2002
13-Hydroxy-9Z,11E,15E-octadecatrienoic acid from the leaves of Cucurbita moschata. Arch Pharm Res 25(4):438-440.

7 DUKE JA, ATCHLEY AA, 1986
Handbook of proximate analysis tables of higher plants. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. p55.

8 USDA
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl?squash

9 HERRERA J, 1992
Determinación de parámetros farmacológicos usados en medicina tradicional popular en la cuenca del Caribe. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dep. de Farmacología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

10 PAZOS L, COTO T, CAIZA F, 2008
Antiinflamatorio tópico, en ratones, de la hoja de Curcubita moschata. Informe TRAMIL, Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos, LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

11 VILENCHIK M, 1989
Fundamentos biológicos del envejecimiento y la longevidad. Moscú, URSS: Ed. MIR.

12 HERRERA J, 1990
Determinación de parámetros farmacológicos de vegetales utilizados en medicina tradicional en la cuenca del Caribe. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dep. de Farmacología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

13 WENIGER B, 1992
Cytotoxicité, effets immunodulateurs et morphologique des extraits éthanolique 80% et aqueux de feuille de Cucurbita. Rapport TRAMIL. Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.

14 HURTADO M, CARBALLO A, 1990
Las plantas medicinales TRAMIL en la farmacopea Soviética. Centro de Investigaciones de Fitoterapia y Medicina Tradicional, Topes de Collantes, Cuba.

15 PARIS R, MOYSE H, 1981
Précis de matière médicale. Paris, France: Ed. Maloine.

16 CHEN ZK, PU TC, LI DY, JIANG HA, 1980
Therapeutic effect of cucurbitine on dog taeniasis. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1(2):124-126.

17 ALBORNOZ A, 1993
Medicina tradicional herbaria. Guía de Fitoterapia. Caracas, Venezuela: Editorial Instituto Farmacoterápico Latino S.A. p226.

Curcuma longa

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Haiti:

  • curcuma
  • safran

Saint Lucia:

  • indian saffron
  • tjitjima
  • turmeric
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

  rhizome, decoction with salt, orally2

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to the information available:

The use for abscesses is classified as REC based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and the toxicity studies.

If deterioration is observed in the patient or the abscess persists for more than 5 days in adults and 3 days in children, seek medical attention.

The use for jaundice and liver disorders is classified as REC based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys, the toxicity and validation studies and the scientific information published.

Due to the health risk of jaundice and liver conditions, an initial medical assessment is recommended. The use of this resource must be considered complementary to medical treatment, unless contraindicated.

If deterioration is observed in the patient or if the liver symptoms persist for more than 5 days in adults or 3 days in children under 5 years of age, seek medical attention.

This resource is contraindicated for people with bile duct obstructions, such as calculi, unless they are under medical supervision, have a history of hypersensitivity to the plant or are immunodeficient.

Rhizome dust can produce reactions on contact with the skin.

Not for use by women intending to become pregnant, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or in children under 3 years of age.

The rhizome of Curcuma longa is a condiment of relatively widespread human consumption and an industrial source of essential oil.

For abscesses:
prepare a decoction with 20 grams of rhizome in 4 cups (1 litre) of water, boil
for 10 minutes in a covered vessel. Leave to cool, strain (filter) and drink 1 cup 3-4 times a day.

For jaundice or liver disorders:
crush 20 grams of rhizome and add them to 4 cups (1 litre) of boiled water, leave to stand for 12 hours. Strain (filter) and drink the preparation in several doses over the course of the following 12 hours38.

Preparations must never be stored for more than 24 hours, even if refrigerated.

1 JEAN-PIERRE L, 1988
TRAMIL survey. St. Lucia National Herbarium, Castries, St. Lucia.

2 WENIGER B, ROUZIER M, 1986
Enquête TRAMIL. Service Oecuménique d'Entraide SOE, Port au Prince, Haïti.

3 OGBEIDE ON, EDUAVEGUAVOEN OI, PARVEZ M, 1985
Identification of 2-(hydroxymethyl) anthraquinone in Curcuma domestica. Pak J Sci 37(1/4):15-17.

4 SU HCF, HORVAT R, JILANI G, 1982
Isolation, purification, and characterization of insect repellents from Curcuma longa L. J Agric Food Chem 30:290-292.

5 OHSHIRO M, KUROYANAGI M, UENO A, 1990
Structures of sesquiterpenes from Curcuma longa. Phytochemistry 29(7):2201-2205.

6 CHEN YH, YU JG, FANG HJ, 1983
Studies on Chinese Curcuma. III. Comparison of the volatile oil and phenolic constituents from the rhizome and the tuber of Cucurma longa. Chung Yao T'ung Pao 8(1):27-29.

7 MOON CK, PARK NS, KOH SK, 1976
Studies on the lipid components of Curcuma longa. I. The composition of fatty acids and sterols. Soul Taehakkyo Yakhak Nonmunjip 1:132.

8 YASUDA K, TSUDA T, SHIMIZU H, SUGAYA A, 1988
Multiplication of Curcuma species by tissue culture. Planta Med 54(1):75-79.

9 SCHULTZ JM, HERRMANN K, 1980
Occurrence of hydroxybenzoic acids and hydroxycinnamic acid in spices. IV. Phenolics of spices. Z Lebensm-Unters Forsch 171:193-199.

10 PARK SN, BOO YC, 1991
Cell protection from damage by active oxygen with curcuminoids. Patent-Fr Demande-2,655,054.

11 TODA S, MIYASE T, ARICHI H, TANIZAWA H, TAKINO Y, 1985
Natural antioxidants. III. Antioxidative components isolated from rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Chem Pharm Bull 33(4):1725-1728.

12 JENTZSCH K, SPIEGL P, KAMITZ R, 1970
Qualitative and quantitative studies of curcuma dyes in different Zingiberaceae drugs. 2. Quantitative studies. Sci Pharm 38(1):50-58.

13 KARIG F, 1975
Rapid identification of curcuma rhizomes with the tas (thermomicroseparation and application) process. Dtsch Apoth Ztg 115(10):325-328.

14 GONDA R, TOMODA M, TAKADA K, OHARA N, SHIMIZU N, 1992
The core structure of ukonan A, a phagocytosis-activating polysaccharide from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, and immunological activities of degradation products. Chem Pharm Bull 40(4):990-993.

15 WOO WS, CHI HJ, YUN HS, WOO LK, 1977
Phytochemical screening of Korean medicinal plants (II). Korean J Pharmacog 8:103-108.

16 DE SOUSA M, MATOS ME, MATOS FJ, MACHADO MI, CRAVEIRO AA, 1991
Constituintes químicos ativos de plantas medicinais Brasileiras. Laboratorio de produtos naturais, Fortaleza, Brasil: Ceará Edições UFC.

17 YANG M, DONG X, TANG Y, 1984
Studies of the chemical constituents of common turmeric (Curcuma longa). Chung Ts'ao Yao 15(5):197-198.

18 ZHAO DY, YANG MK, 1986
Separation and determination of cucurminoids in Curcuma longa L. and its preparation by HPLC. Yao Hsueh Pao 21(5):382-385.

19 KISO Y, SUZUKI Y, WATANABE N, OSHIMA Y, HIKINO H, 1983
Antihepatotoxic principles of Curcuma longa rhizomes. Planta Med 49(3):185-187.

20 GONDA R, TOMODA M, SHIMIZU N, KANARI M, 1990
Characterization of polysaccharides having activity on the reticuloendothelial system from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Chem Pharm Bull Tokyo 38(2):482-486.

21 DUKE JA, ATCHLEY AA, 1986
Handbook of proximate analysis tables of higher plants. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. p56.

22 SOLIS PN, RODRIGUEZ N, ESPINOSA A, GUPTA MP, 2004
Estudio antimicrobiano de algunas plantas TRAMIL con usos en Martinica. Informe TRAMIL. Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña CIFLORPAN, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, Panamá.

23 JOYEUX M, FLEURENTIN J, DORFMAN P, MONTIER F, 1988
Recherche d'une activité hépatotrope et antiradicalaire de plantes médicinales de la caraïbe. Rapport TRAMIL. Laboratoire de pharmacognosie, Centre des Sciences pour l'Environnement, Metz, France.

24 CHANG IM, WOO WS, 1980
Screening of Korean medicinal plants for antitumor activity. Arch Pharm Res 3(2):75-78.

25 KOSUGE T, YOKOTA M, SUGIYAMA K, YAMAMOTO T, NI MY, YAN SC, 1985
Studies of antitumor activities and antitumor principles of Chinese herbs. Yakugaku Zasshi 105(8):791-795.

26 ITOKAWA H, 1988
Research on antineoplastic drugs from natural sources, especially from higher plants. Yakugaku Zasshi 108(9):824-841.

27 4 WHO, 2002
WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 1. www.who.int/medicines/library/trm/medicinalplants/pdf/259to266.pdf (28Feb2003).

28 DONATUS IA, SARDJOKO, VERMEULEN NPE, 1990
Cytotoxic and cytoprotective activities of curcumin. Effects on paracetamol induced cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion in rat hepatocytes. Biochem Pharmacol 39(12):1869-1875.

29 PAZOS L, COTO T, GONZALEZ S, 2006
Toxicidad oral subcrónica, dosis repetida, en ratón, del extracto de rizoma fresco de Curcuma longa. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos, LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

30 DESHPANDE SS, LALITHA VS, INGLE AD, RASTE AS, GADRE SG, MARU GB, 1998
Subchronic oral toxicity of turmeric and ethanolic turmeric extract in female mice and rats. Toxicol Lett 95(3):183-193.

31 POLASA K, SESIKARAN B, KRISHNA TP, KRISHNASWAMY K, 1991
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - induced reduction in urinary mutagens. Food Chem Toxicol 29(10):699-706.

32 CHAVALITTUMRONG P, CHIVAPAT S, RATTANAJARASROJ S, PUNYAMONG S, CHUTHAPUTTI A, PHISALAPHONG C, 2002
Chronic toxicity study of curcuminoids in rats. Songklanakarin J Sci Technol 24(4):633-647.

33 YEGNANARAYANA M, SARAF AP, BALWANI JH, 1976
Comparison of anti-inflammatory effect of various extracts of Curcuma longa. Indian J Med Res 64(4):601-608.

34 GILANI AH, SHAH AJ, GHAYUR MN, MAJEED GK, 2005
Pharmacological basis for the use of turmeric in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Life Sciences 76(26):3089-3105.

35 QURESHI S, SHAH AH, AGEEL AM, 1992
Toxicity studies on Alpinia galanga and Curcuma longa. Planta Med 58(2):124-127.

36 MIQUEL J, MARTINEZ M, DIEZ A, DE JUAN E, SOLER A, RAMIREZ A, LABORDA J, CARRISON M, 1995
Effects of turmeric on blood and liver lipoperoxide levels of mice: lack of toxicity. Age(Chester Pa) 18(4):171-174.

37 SEETHARAM KA, PASRICHA JS, 1987
Condiments and contact dermatitis of the finger-tips. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 53(6):325-328.

38 ALBORNOZ A, 1993
Medicina Tradicional Herbaria. Caracas, Venezuela: Editorial Instituto Farmacoterápico Latino S.A. p227.

Curcuma longa

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Haiti:

  • curcuma
  • safran

Saint Lucia:

  • indian saffron
  • tjitjima
  • turmeric
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

  rhizome, aqueous maceration, orally2

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

According to the information available:

The use for abscesses is classified as REC based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and the toxicity studies.

If deterioration is observed in the patient or the abscess persists for more than 5 days in adults and 3 days in children, seek medical attention.

The use for jaundice and liver disorders is classified as REC based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys, the toxicity and validation studies and the scientific information published.

Due to the health risk of jaundice and liver conditions, an initial medical assessment is recommended. The use of this resource must be considered complementary to medical treatment, unless contraindicated.

If deterioration is observed in the patient or if the liver symptoms persist for more than 5 days in adults or 3 days in children under 5 years of age, seek medical attention.

This resource is contraindicated for people with bile duct obstructions, such as calculi, unless they are under medical supervision, have a history of hypersensitivity to the plant or are immunodeficient.

Rhizome dust can produce reactions on contact with the skin.

Not for use by women intending to become pregnant, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or in children under 3 years of age.

The rhizome of Curcuma longa is a condiment of relatively widespread human consumption and an industrial source of essential oil.

For abscesses:
prepare a decoction with 20 grams of rhizome in 4 cups (1 litre) of water, boil
for 10 minutes in a covered vessel. Leave to cool, strain (filter) and drink 1 cup 3-4 times a day.

For jaundice or liver disorders:
crush 20 grams of rhizome and add them to 4 cups (1 litre) of boiled water, leave to stand for 12 hours. Strain (filter) and drink the preparation in several doses over the course of the following 12 hours38.

Preparations must never be stored for more than 24 hours, even if refrigerated.

1 JEAN-PIERRE L, 1988
TRAMIL survey. St. Lucia National Herbarium, Castries, St. Lucia.

2 WENIGER B, ROUZIER M, 1986
Enquête TRAMIL. Service Oecuménique d'Entraide SOE, Port au Prince, Haïti.

3 OGBEIDE ON, EDUAVEGUAVOEN OI, PARVEZ M, 1985
Identification of 2-(hydroxymethyl) anthraquinone in Curcuma domestica. Pak J Sci 37(1/4):15-17.

4 SU HCF, HORVAT R, JILANI G, 1982
Isolation, purification, and characterization of insect repellents from Curcuma longa L. J Agric Food Chem 30:290-292.

5 OHSHIRO M, KUROYANAGI M, UENO A, 1990
Structures of sesquiterpenes from Curcuma longa. Phytochemistry 29(7):2201-2205.

6 CHEN YH, YU JG, FANG HJ, 1983
Studies on Chinese Curcuma. III. Comparison of the volatile oil and phenolic constituents from the rhizome and the tuber of Cucurma longa. Chung Yao T'ung Pao 8(1):27-29.

7 MOON CK, PARK NS, KOH SK, 1976
Studies on the lipid components of Curcuma longa. I. The composition of fatty acids and sterols. Soul Taehakkyo Yakhak Nonmunjip 1:132.

8 YASUDA K, TSUDA T, SHIMIZU H, SUGAYA A, 1988
Multiplication of Curcuma species by tissue culture. Planta Med 54(1):75-79.

9 SCHULTZ JM, HERRMANN K, 1980
Occurrence of hydroxybenzoic acids and hydroxycinnamic acid in spices. IV. Phenolics of spices. Z Lebensm-Unters Forsch 171:193-199.

10 PARK SN, BOO YC, 1991
Cell protection from damage by active oxygen with curcuminoids. Patent-Fr Demande-2,655,054.

11 TODA S, MIYASE T, ARICHI H, TANIZAWA H, TAKINO Y, 1985
Natural antioxidants. III. Antioxidative components isolated from rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Chem Pharm Bull 33(4):1725-1728.

12 JENTZSCH K, SPIEGL P, KAMITZ R, 1970
Qualitative and quantitative studies of curcuma dyes in different Zingiberaceae drugs. 2. Quantitative studies. Sci Pharm 38(1):50-58.

13 KARIG F, 1975
Rapid identification of curcuma rhizomes with the tas (thermomicroseparation and application) process. Dtsch Apoth Ztg 115(10):325-328.

14 GONDA R, TOMODA M, TAKADA K, OHARA N, SHIMIZU N, 1992
The core structure of ukonan A, a phagocytosis-activating polysaccharide from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, and immunological activities of degradation products. Chem Pharm Bull 40(4):990-993.

15 WOO WS, CHI HJ, YUN HS, WOO LK, 1977
Phytochemical screening of Korean medicinal plants (II). Korean J Pharmacog 8:103-108.

16 DE SOUSA M, MATOS ME, MATOS FJ, MACHADO MI, CRAVEIRO AA, 1991
Constituintes químicos ativos de plantas medicinais Brasileiras. Laboratorio de produtos naturais, Fortaleza, Brasil: Ceará Edições UFC.

17 YANG M, DONG X, TANG Y, 1984
Studies of the chemical constituents of common turmeric (Curcuma longa). Chung Ts'ao Yao 15(5):197-198.

18 ZHAO DY, YANG MK, 1986
Separation and determination of cucurminoids in Curcuma longa L. and its preparation by HPLC. Yao Hsueh Pao 21(5):382-385.

19 KISO Y, SUZUKI Y, WATANABE N, OSHIMA Y, HIKINO H, 1983
Antihepatotoxic principles of Curcuma longa rhizomes. Planta Med 49(3):185-187.

20 GONDA R, TOMODA M, SHIMIZU N, KANARI M, 1990
Characterization of polysaccharides having activity on the reticuloendothelial system from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Chem Pharm Bull Tokyo 38(2):482-486.

21 DUKE JA, ATCHLEY AA, 1986
Handbook of proximate analysis tables of higher plants. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. p56.

22 SOLIS PN, RODRIGUEZ N, ESPINOSA A, GUPTA MP, 2004
Estudio antimicrobiano de algunas plantas TRAMIL con usos en Martinica. Informe TRAMIL. Centro de Investigaciones Farmacognósticas de la Flora Panameña CIFLORPAN, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, Panamá.

23 JOYEUX M, FLEURENTIN J, DORFMAN P, MONTIER F, 1988
Recherche d'une activité hépatotrope et antiradicalaire de plantes médicinales de la caraïbe. Rapport TRAMIL. Laboratoire de pharmacognosie, Centre des Sciences pour l'Environnement, Metz, France.

24 CHANG IM, WOO WS, 1980
Screening of Korean medicinal plants for antitumor activity. Arch Pharm Res 3(2):75-78.

25 KOSUGE T, YOKOTA M, SUGIYAMA K, YAMAMOTO T, NI MY, YAN SC, 1985
Studies of antitumor activities and antitumor principles of Chinese herbs. Yakugaku Zasshi 105(8):791-795.

26 ITOKAWA H, 1988
Research on antineoplastic drugs from natural sources, especially from higher plants. Yakugaku Zasshi 108(9):824-841.

27 4 WHO, 2002
WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 1. www.who.int/medicines/library/trm/medicinalplants/pdf/259to266.pdf (28Feb2003).

28 DONATUS IA, SARDJOKO, VERMEULEN NPE, 1990
Cytotoxic and cytoprotective activities of curcumin. Effects on paracetamol induced cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion in rat hepatocytes. Biochem Pharmacol 39(12):1869-1875.

29 PAZOS L, COTO T, GONZALEZ S, 2006
Toxicidad oral subcrónica, dosis repetida, en ratón, del extracto de rizoma fresco de Curcuma longa. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos, LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

30 DESHPANDE SS, LALITHA VS, INGLE AD, RASTE AS, GADRE SG, MARU GB, 1998
Subchronic oral toxicity of turmeric and ethanolic turmeric extract in female mice and rats. Toxicol Lett 95(3):183-193.

31 POLASA K, SESIKARAN B, KRISHNA TP, KRISHNASWAMY K, 1991
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - induced reduction in urinary mutagens. Food Chem Toxicol 29(10):699-706.

32 CHAVALITTUMRONG P, CHIVAPAT S, RATTANAJARASROJ S, PUNYAMONG S, CHUTHAPUTTI A, PHISALAPHONG C, 2002
Chronic toxicity study of curcuminoids in rats. Songklanakarin J Sci Technol 24(4):633-647.

33 YEGNANARAYANA M, SARAF AP, BALWANI JH, 1976
Comparison of anti-inflammatory effect of various extracts of Curcuma longa. Indian J Med Res 64(4):601-608.

34 GILANI AH, SHAH AJ, GHAYUR MN, MAJEED GK, 2005
Pharmacological basis for the use of turmeric in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Life Sciences 76(26):3089-3105.

35 QURESHI S, SHAH AH, AGEEL AM, 1992
Toxicity studies on Alpinia galanga and Curcuma longa. Planta Med 58(2):124-127.

36 MIQUEL J, MARTINEZ M, DIEZ A, DE JUAN E, SOLER A, RAMIREZ A, LABORDA J, CARRISON M, 1995
Effects of turmeric on blood and liver lipoperoxide levels of mice: lack of toxicity. Age(Chester Pa) 18(4):171-174.

37 SEETHARAM KA, PASRICHA JS, 1987
Condiments and contact dermatitis of the finger-tips. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 53(6):325-328.

38 ALBORNOZ A, 1993
Medicina Tradicional Herbaria. Caracas, Venezuela: Editorial Instituto Farmacoterápico Latino S.A. p227.

Senna occidentalis

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Dominican Republic:

  • brusca

Dominica:

  • café moucha

Guatemala:

  • frijolillo

Honduras:

  • frijolillo

Haiti:

  • terrier rouge
Significant uses found by the TRAMIL surveys

leaf, decoction, orally2

Recommendations Preparation and Dosage References

Use for "bad blood" is part of the cultural tradition of our communities.  It has not been listed in the TRAMIL classification.

According to published and other information:

Use of the leaf for skin conditions, headache, body ache, sorethroat, fever and jaundice, and use of the seed for sore and tinea are classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys, toxicity studies and available published scientific information.

For topical application, strict hygiene measures should be observed in order to avoid contamination or additional infection.

Use of the leaf for stomach pain, of the seed for body ache and of the root for stomach pain, sorethroat and fever is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and toxicity studies.

Should there be a notable worsening of the patient’s condition, or should fever persist for more than 2 days, jaundice or stomach pain for more than 3 days, or skin conditions for more than 5 days, seek medical attention.

Due to the health risks involved with jaundice, an initial medical evaluation is recommended.  The use of this resource can be considered complementary to medical treatment, unless it is contraindicated.

Not for use during pregnancy, lactation, or by children under 3 years old.

For skin conditions:

Wash injury with boiled water and soap.  Thoroughly wash 30–50 grams of leaf (15-20 leaflets), mash and apply in sufficient quantity to affected area.  Cover injury with dressing or clean cloth and replace 3-4 times a day.

For stomach pain:

Prepare a decoction with 15 grams of leaf (7-10 leaflets) and 15 grams of root in 1 liter (4 cups) of water, and boil for at least 10 minutes in a covered pot.  Filter, allow to cool down and drink 1 cup 3 times a day36.

For headache, fever, jaundice, sorethroat and body ache:

There is no available information establishing a means of preparation and dosage other than that referred to by traditional use.

Any medicinal preparation must be preserved cold and used within the 24 hours.

1 GERMOSEN-ROBINEAU L, GERONIMO M, AMPARO C, 1984
Encuesta TRAMIL. enda-caribe, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana.

2 CHARLES C, 1988
TRAMIL survey. Movement for Cultural Awareness MCA, Roseau, Dominica.

3 LAGOS-WITTE S, 1988-89, 1996
Encuesta TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Histología Vegetal y Etnobotánica, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

4 GIRON L, 1988
Encuesta TRAMIL (Costa atlántica). Centro Mesoamericano de Tecnología CEMAT, Guatemala, Guatemala.

5 WENIGER B, ROUZIER M, 1986
Enquête TRAMIL. Service Oecuménique d'Entraide SOE, Port au Prince, Haïti.

6 TIWARI RD, SINGH J, 1977
Anthraquinone pigments from Cassia occidentalis. Planta Med Suppl 32(4):375-377.

7 RAI PP, SHOK M, 1983
Anthraquinone glycosides from plant parts of Cassia occidentalis. Indian J Pharm Sci 45(2):87-88.

8 ANTON R, DUQUENOIS P, 1968
Contribution à l'étude chimique du Cassia occidentalis L. Annales Pharmaceutiques Françaises 26(2):673-680.

9 TIWARI RD, SINGH J, 1977
Flavonoids from the leaves of Cassia occidentalis. Phytochemistry 16(7):1107-1108.

10 MAJUMDAR SG, BASAK B, LASKAR S, 1987
Surface hydrocarbons from the leaves of some Cassia species. J Indian Chem Soc 64(4):259-260.

11 ALVES AC, 1964
Pharmacological study of the root of Cassia occidentalis. An Fac Farm Porto 24:65-119.

12 WADER GR, KUDAV NA, 1987
Chemical investigation of Cassia occidentalis Linn. with special reference to isolation of xanthones from Cassia spp. Indian J of Chemisitry 26(B7):703.

13 KUDAV NA, KULKARNI A,B 1974
Chemical investigation on Cassia occidentalis. II. Isolation of islandicin, helminthosporine, xanthonin and NMR spectral studies of cassiollin and its derivatives. Indian J Chem 12:1042-1044.

14 LAL-JAWAHAR, GUPTA-PURAN-CHANDRA, 1973
Physcion and phytosterol from the roots of Cassia occidentalis. Phytochemistry 12(5):1186.

15 GARCIA GM, COTO MT, GONZALEZ CS, OCAMPO R, PAZOS L, 2001
Tránsito intestinal en ratones, con extracto acuoso de raíz fresca de Senna occidentalis. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos LEBi, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

16 CACERES A, LOPEZ BR, GIRON MA, LOGEMANN H, 1991
Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatophytic infections. 1. Screening for antimycotic activity of 44 plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 31(3):263-276.

17 CACERES A, MENENDEZ H, MENDEZ E, COHOBON E, SAMAYAO BE, JAUREGUI E, PERALTA E, CARRILLO G, 1995
Antigonorrhoeal activity of plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. J Ethnopharmacol 48(2):85-88.

18 PEREZ C, SUAREZ C, 1997
Antifungal activity of plant extracts against Candida albicans. Amer J Chinese Med 25(2):181-184.

19 HUSSAIN HS, DEENI YY, 1991
Plants in Kano ethomedicine; screening for antimicrobial activity and alkaloids. Int J Pharmacog 29(1):51-56.

20 SCHMEDA-HIRSCHMANN G, ROJAS DE ARIAS A, 1992
A screening method for natural products on triatomine bugs. Phytother Res 6(2):68-73.

21 TONA L, NGIMBI NP, TSAKALA M, MESIA K, CIMANGA K, ASPERS S, DE BRUYNE T, PIETERS L, TOTTE J, VLIETINCK AJ, 1999
Antimalarial activity of 20 crude extracts from nine African medicinal plants used in Kinshasa, Congo. J Ethnopharmacol 68(1/3):193-203.

22 SADIQUE J, CHANDRA T, THENMOZHI V, ELANGO V, 1987
Biochemical modes of action of Cassia occidentalis and Cardiospermum halicacabum in inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol 19(2):201-212.

23 SARAF S, DIXIT VK, TRIPATHI SC, PATNAIK GK, 1994
Antihepatotoxic activity of Cassia occidentalis. Int J Pharmacog 32(2):178-183.

24 JAFRI MA, JALIS SUBHANI M, JAVED K, SINGH S, 1999
Hepatoprotective activity of leaves of Cassia occidentalis against paracetamol and ethyl alcohol intoxication in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 66(3):355-361.

25 FENG PC, HAYNES LJ, MAGNUS KE, PLIMMER JR, SHERRAT HS, 1962
Pharmacological screening of some West Indian medicinal plants. J Pharm Pharmacol 14:556-561.

26 GARCIA GM, COTO MT, GONZALEZ CS, PAZOS L, 1998
Toxicidad sub-crónica en ratones, del extracto acuoso de hojas frescas de Senna occidentalis. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos LEBi, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

27 GARCIA GM, COTO MT, GONZALEZ CS, PAZOS L, 1998
Toxicidad sub-crónica en ratones, del extracto acuoso de raíz fresca de Senna occidentalis. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos LEBi, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

28 GONZALEZ A, ALFONSO H, 1990
Evaluación de la toxicidad dérmica de Momordica charantia L. y Cassia occidentalis L. en conejo y cobayo. Informe TRAMIL. Centro Nacional de Salud Animal, La Habana, Cuba. 

29 PAZOS L, COTO T, GONZALEZ S, 2003
Estudio de irritabilidad dérmica, en piel lesionada de conejo, de hoja fresca de Senna occidentalis. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

30 PAZOS L, COTO T, GONZALEZ S, 2003
Irritabilidad de la mucosa en conejo, de raíz fresca de Senna occidentalis. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

31 PAZOS L, COTO T, GONZALEZ S, 2003
Irritabilidad de la mucosa en conejo, de semillas frescas de Senna occidentalis. Informe TRAMIL. Laboratorio de Ensayos Biológicos LEBi, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

32 O'HARA P, PIERCE K, 1974
A toxic cardiomyopathy caused by Cassia occidentalis. II Biochemical studies in poisoned rabbits. Vet Pathol 11(2):110-124.

33 COLVIN BM, HARRISON LR, SANGSTER LT, GOSSER HS, 1986
Cassia occidentalis toxicosis in growing pigs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 189(4):423-426.

34 MARTINS E, MARTINS VM, RIET F, SONCINI RA, PARABONI SV, 1986
Intoxicação por Cassia occidentalis (Leguminosae) em suínos. Pesq Vet Bras 6(2):35-38.

35 BARTH AT, KOMMERS GO, SALLES MS, WOUTERS F, DE BARROS CS, 1994
Coffee senna (Senna occidentalis) poisoning in cattle in Brazil. Vet Hum Toxicol 36(6):541-545.

36 ALBORNOZ A, 1993
Medicina Tradicional Herbaria. Caracas, Venezuela: Editorial Instituto Farmacoterápico Latino S.A. p174.