Rainforests exist on every continent and the largest and best-known is the Amazon tropical rainforest in northern South America. This abundant and biodiverse environment is nourished by heat, humidity and rain and potentially contains herbal supplements numbering into the thousands, according to Phyllis A. Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The use of these herbal supplements is not an adequate substitute for advice and treatment from a qualified health care provider.
Benefits of Rainforest Herbal Supplements
Indigenous people native to the Amazon region rely on their rich ecosystem for medicinal remedies and herbal supplements. For instance, Amazonian healers traditionally use cat's claw for conditions like asthma, fever and arthritis. Linda Taylor, ND, in her book "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicines," writes that traditional practitioners may recommend herbal supplements such as graviola for anxiety, bacterial infections and abscesses, or suggest pau d'arco for anemia, autoimmune disorders, back pain and cancer. Herbal supplements should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
Scientific Investigations
In a 2001 Alternative Medicine Review article, Dr. James E. Williams mentions that herb supplements native to the Amazonian rainforest show promise as antivirals, such as the large thorny vine called uno de gato or cat's claw. Other possibly effective antiviral herbal supplements are sangre de grado, mango, copaiba and mapucho. Specific rainforest plants have great potential in the treatment of cancer, but need more scientific study. The croton plant, for example, may have the capacity to treat cancer as well as inflammatory bowel disease, HIV and wounds. Speak with a physician before using any herbal supplements.
Pharmaceuticals Derived from Rainforest Plants
Paclitaxel, a chemical isolated from the Pacific Yew tree, is the foundation of the chemotherapy drug, Taxol. Physicians prescribe Taxol to treat breast cancer and other tumorous cancers. The Madagascar periwinkle yields the bioactive compounds vinblastine and vincristine, essential to several chemotherapy formulations. In addition, the alkaloid quinine, found naturally in cinchona tree bark, formed the basis of the first manufactured anti-malarial drug and is still used today, as noted by Raintree Nutrition. Studies in the area of phytochemicals or plant-based chemicals continue to grow. For example, the National Cancer Institute funds research grants to investigate traditional herbal supplements in hopes of discovering new cancer treatments. As with any supplement, do not use without consulting your doctor first.
Safety Considerations
Herbal supplements need to be treated with respect and caution and only used under the direction of a physician. Some rainforest herbal supplements are contraindicated for people with certain conditions. For instance, yohimbe should not be ingested by those with high blood pressure, as it may cause serious side effects. Phyllis A. Balch advises that kava kava extract may increase the side effects of anesthetics and guarana, a strong stimulant, is not recommended for those with heart conditions.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- Raintree Nutrition: Plant Based Drugs and Medicines
- "Seminars in Integrative Medicine"; Herbs for the Nervous System: Gingko, Valerian, Kava Kava, Passionflower; Hyla Cass, MD; June 2004
- "Alternative Health Review," Review of Antiviral and Immunomodulating Properties of Plants of the Peruvian Rainforest; James E. Williams, OMD; December 2001
- The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs; Leslie Taylor, ND; 2005.
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