Quassia Wood
Quassia amara
Quassia amara, a tree native to tropical regions of Central and South America, has been used traditionally with no specific recorded uses. Scientific evidence suggests that Quassia amara exhibits bactericidal and gastroprotective properties, though the genotoxicity findings are inconclusive. A study indicated that its aqueous leaf extract may help reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, showing a dose-dependent effect, but this finding is preliminary and requires further validation. The flavonoids found in Quassia amara contribute to its antitubercular activity, though the evidence is limited to non-polar fractions of three plant species. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Quassia amara, making it generally safe under current knowledge.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Quassia amara exhibited bactericidal and gastroprotective effects but not significant genotoxicity.
- The study found that probiotics and Quassia amara supplementation helped reduce oxidative stress in bees after a waste fire event, though effects varied.
- The aqueous extract of Quassia amara leaf at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed a dose-dependent significant blood glucose-lowering effect in diabetic mice, with the highest dose comparable to glibenclamide from 2 hours post-intervention.
- This study identified flavonoids as contributors to antitubercular activity in non-polar fractions from three plant species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Quassia Wood?
Quassia Wood (Quassia amara) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Quassia Wood?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Quassia Wood; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Quassia amara exhibited bactericidal and gastroprotective effects but not significant genotoxicity.
How strong is the evidence for Quassia Wood?
The strongest finding for Quassia Wood carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Quassia Wood safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Quassia Wood in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Quassia Wood interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Quassia Wood in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Quassia Wood?
Quassia Wood is also known as: Квассия горькая.
Is Quassia Wood a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Landfill fire impact on bee health: beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with medicinal plants and probiotics in reducing oxidative stress and metal accumulation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bioactive Compounds Discovery from French Guiana Plant Extracts Through Antitubercular Screening and Molecular Networking. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of the biological potential of crude extracts of Brazilian medicinal plants in a social context and for safe use in human health. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of the Blood Glucose-Lowering Effect of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) on Alloxan-induced Diabetes in Male ICR Mice (Mus musculus). literature abstract metadata