Psychotria nemorosa
StarPsychotria nemorosa
Synonyms: Uragoga umbelluligera, Psychotria umbelluligera, Uragoga pubigera, Psychotria hoehnei, Mapouria umbelluligera, Mapouria umbelluligera var. brevipes, Uragoga nemorosa
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Brazilian folk herbal medicine Psychotria nemorosa ("casca d'anta") is used to regulate menstrual disturbances and to treat fever and microbial infections, and is taken for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant and anti-rheumatic effects (Passos et al., 2016). Pharmacological study of the species supports an analgesic role, with demonstrated antinociceptive activity and characteristic azepine-indole alkaloids (nemorosine A and fargesine) that modulate the 5-HT2A receptor and inhibit monoamine oxidase-A.
Botanical Description
Psychotria nemorosa is a terrestrial shrub of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) endemic to Brazil, where it grows in the understorey of the Atlantic rainforest and adjacent moist forests from the northeast through the southeast to the southern states. It is a small to medium shrub with opposite, simple, entire leaves that are membranous to somewhat leathery and have prominent lateral veins, subtended by interpetiolar stipules typical of the family. The small tubular flowers are borne in terminal or axillary clusters and are followed by small fleshy drupes that ripen from green to red or blackish and are dispersed by birds. Locally known as "casca d'anta," the species is one of the chemically better-studied South American Psychotria, notable for its content of azepine-indole and other indole alkaloids concentrated in the leaves and bark.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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