Quassia

Generic name: Picrasma Excelsa, Quassia Amara L.
Brand names: Amara Species, Amargo, Bitter Wood, Jamaican Quassia, Picrasma, Ruda, Surinam Quassia, Surinam Wood

Usage of Quassia

Chemotherapeutic effects

Animal data

Quassimarin has been reported to have antileukemic properties when tested in animals. Antitumor activity in mice has been demonstrated, as well as in vitro activity of quassin against human nasopharynx carcinoma.(Duke 1985)

Head lice

Clinical data

Quassia, as a tincture, has reportedly been used successfully to treat head lice. Canthin-6-one possesses antibacterial and antifungal activity.(Duke 1985, Mac-Mary 2012)

Other uses

Research is ongoing, with evaluations for potential applications in malaria, diabetes, and ulcer healing.(Cosmetic 2008, Mishra 2010)

The beta-carboline alkaloids exhibit positive inotropic activity in animals.(Duke 1985)

A 4% hydroglycolic extract of Q. amara gel was reportedly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms in facial seborrheic dermatitis(Diehl 2013) and rosacea.(Ferrari 2012)

Quassin has demonstrated antilarval activity and was effective at concentrations of 6 ppm.(Evans 1992)

In a hepatotoxic mouse model, administration of Q. amara stem bark extract not only improved lipid parameters (ie, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein) but also improved oxidative stress markers (ie, melondialdehyde, superoxide dismUTAse).(Obembe 2021)

Quassia side effects

No adverse Reactions were reported upon topical application of the scalp preparation in the 454 patients in the head lice study.(Duke 1985) However, large amounts given orally have been known to irritate the mucus membrane in the stomach and may lead to vomiting.(Schulz 1998) Excessive use may also interfere with existing cardiac and anticoagulant regimens. Because of the plant's cytotoxic and emetic properties, its use during pregnancy should be avoided.(Duke 1985)

Histopathological and morphological deformities were observed in mouse spermatozoa induced by administration of Q. amara extract as well as its biologically active secondary metabolite, quassin.(Faisal 2021) A mechanism of this activity may be due to inhibition of cuticle development, as suggested in 1 report.(Njar 1995)

Before taking Quassia

Documented adverse reactions. Avoid use.Bisset 1994

How to use Quassia

Quassia wood has been used as a bitter tonic, with a typical oral dose of 500 mg. No studies have been performed to support this doSage. Several recent studies of topical quassia tincture for head lice have been reported.

Warnings

Quassia is listed as generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Parenteral administration of quassin is toxic, leading to cardiac irregularities, tremors, and paralysis.Schulz 1998

Mean weights of testes, seminal vesicles, and epididymides were significantly reduced, and weights of the anterior pituitary glands were significantly increased in rats given quassin at doses up to 2 g/kg in drinking water. Furthermore, lowered sperm counts, levels of LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and of Testosterone were observed.Garcia Gonzalez 1997, Mac-Mary 2012, Raji 1997

What other drugs will affect Quassia

None well documented.

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