Anamu as Medicine: Properties and Contraindications
In complementary medicine, anamu has been used to reduce inflammation and pain, strengthen the immune system, and fight certain chronic diseases. This herbaceous shrub is native to the Amazon rain forest, although it also grows throughout South America, Central America, and the United States.
Mucura, apacina, tipi, guine, and guinea hen weed are other names by which the anamu or Petiveria alliacea, by its scientific name, is known. One of the peculiar characteristics of the root and leaves is their strong garlic odor. According to an animal study, specialists believe that this plant could improve brain function.
Properties and benefits of anamu as medicine
There are several benefits that anamu could provide as medicine. The most outstanding are the following.
Antioxidant properties
Thanks to its plant compounds, anamu has antioxidant properties. It contains flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenes, and sulfur. These antioxidants have the function of blocking free radicals.
According to a review published in Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, free radicals are associated with chronic diseases and conditions, heart disease, brain disorders, and diabetes.
Also read: Delicious Antioxidant Tomato Sauce
Reducing inflammation and relieving pain
People have long used this plant traditionally to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. According to research with mice conducted by the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, anamu reduces inflammation markers such as interleukin 6, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.
On the other hand, Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology with an animal analysis found that anamu can significantly alleviate pain. On the other hand, research conducted with 14 humans suffering from osteoarthritis showed that anamu tea isn’t as effective as other medications.
We need more human studies to find out if it’s effective in this regard.
Improved mental performance
An animal study conducted by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology postulated that anamu has the potential to improve short and long-term memory, because the animals showed progress in learning tasks.
On the other hand, another study on animals confirmed that it improves long-term memory and reduces signs of anxiety, although it couldn’t ensure that it strengthens short-term memory. However, specialists must conduct research in humans to corroborate its possible benefits.
Anti-cancer properties?
A test-tube study recorded that anamu contributed to the death of prostate, breast, lung, colon and pancreatic cancer cells, so specialists hypothesize that the extract of this plant could be effective in suppressing the evolution of certain cancers.
This is because it has active ingredients such as flavonoids, fatty acids, coumarins, and sulfur. However, we need more tests on humans and it’s impossible to consider it as a first line of oncological approach.
Other possible benefits
Anamu may have additional benefits such as the following:
- Boosting immunity: A study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine revealed that some compounds in anamu may stimulate the immune system. However, we still need further research.
- Antimicrobial properties: Thanks to its sulfur, anamu has antibacterial and antifungal properties, according to Phytochemistry.
- Reduce anxiety: Although they’re still animal studies, specialists believe that anamu decreases signs of anxiety and depression.
Method of use and contraindications
Anamu is available over-the-counter and you can purchase it in different presentations: powder, tincture, dried leaves, or capsules. At present, we don’t have enough data to recommend an exact dosage, due to little research in humans.
Despite limited information, some supplement packages recommend 400 to 1250 milligrams per day. However, there’s no certainty about the amounts.
Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggested that short-term consumption and a small dose may have low toxicity. However, in the long term there would be adverse effects such as confusion, tremors, drowsiness, seizures, and restlessness.
You should keep in mind that specialists don’t test anamu supplements for safety. Therefore, since no one regulates it, each manufacturer could handle doses different from those specified on the product label.
We recommend being especially careful if you’re consuming it at the same time as being medicated with an anticoagulant or a drug for heart conditions. Anamu already contains a small amount of a natural anticoagulant called coumarin.
Discover: Recommendations for People on Anticoagulant Treatment
Who shouldn’t consume it?
Since it’s a plant with little research for human consumption, we recommend that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children avoid taking it. If you’re taking medication, you should ask your doctor before trying any presentation of the anamu plant.
What to remember about anamu
Anamu is a herbaceous shrub that’s characterized by a strong garlic odor. In traditional medicine, people have used it to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, strengthen the immune system, reduce anxiety, and improve mental performance.
Despite the many benefits attributed to it, this plant still needs more research to delve deeper into its properties and possible side effects.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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