Cornutia pyramidata

Scientific name: Cornutia pyramidata L.

Botanical family: LAMIACEAE

Vernacular names

(In territories with significant traditional TRAMIL use)

Dominica:

bwa kasav

Other vernacular names

Dominica:

bois cassava
bwa kasav

Geographical distribution

Caribbean basin and northern South America.

Botanical description

Tree or shrub 5 m or more; upright, quadrangular branches. Single, opposite, pubescent, ovate or elliptic leaves, 6 to 20 cm long, entire margin. Terminal pyramidal panicles, 10 to 40 cm long; numerous blue or purple flowers, 10 to 12 cm long. Blue or black drupe, spherical, 3 to 6 mm in diameter.

Voucher(s)

Zanoni, 44409, JBSD

nervous breakdown

root, decoction, orally¹

For nervous breakdown:
prepare a decoction with 30 grams of roots 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.

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

According to the information available:

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

Do not use simultaneously with alcoholic beverages or medications with central nervous system depressant activity.

If deterioration is observed in the patient or the nervous breakdown persists for more than 7 days, seek medical attention.

Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days.

Not for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children under 12 years.

TRAMIL Works³
The aqueous root extraction (decoction), orally in mice, reached an LD₅₀ of over 25 g/kg of dried root; intraperitoneally the LD₅₀ = 13.7 ± 0.2 g/kg.

The aqueous root extract (6.25, 12.50 and 18.75 g/kg), orally in mice for 30 and 60 days, did not show signs of subchronic toxicity.

No information is available to recommend use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children.

TRAMIL Work²
The preliminary phytochemical study of the leaf and stem did not show the presence of alkaloids.

There is no information available in the scientific literature to determine the chemical composition of the root of this species.

TRAMIL Work³
The aqueous root extract (decoction) in a logarithmic series of doses of up to 25 g/kg, orally in albino mice (5 females, 5 males) with a similar weight, produced a general depressant effect, especially in the areas of consciousness, motor activity, position, motor coordination, muscle tone and to a lesser extent, in reflexes and the autonomic nervous system. The depression lasted for 24 hours and caused marked hypothermia.

Pharmacopoeia

Ed.3

References

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

2 PINEDA M, 1990
Fitoquímica de algunas plantas TRAMIL. Laboratorio de enda-caribe, Santo Domingo,Rep. Dominicana.

3 HERRERA J, 1990
Determinación de actividades biológicas de vegetales utilizados en medicina tradicional. Informe TRAMIL. Dep. de Farmacología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for educational purposes only for the benefit of the general public and health professionals. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. Since some parts of plants could be toxic, might induce side effects, or might have interactions with certain drugs, anyone intending to use them or their products must first consult with a physician or another qualified health care professional. TRAMIL has no responsibility whatsoever towards the user for any decision, action or omission made in relation to the information contained in this Pharmacopoeia.

Main navigation

TRAMILibrary

Cornutia pyramidata

Vernacular names

Dominica:

Dominica:

Geographical distribution

Botanical description

Voucher(s)

Pharmacopoeia

References

Disclaimer