Iporuru
Alchornea castaneifolia

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

Iporuru. Alchornea castaneifolia. A medicinal plant known in South America, Iporuru (Alchornea castaneifolia) is a shrubby tree with an open crown and a straight, slender bole. It grows up to 8-10 m tall. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, and also widely used as an aphrodisiac and general tonic to the reproductive system. It has been used as a traditional medicine by the indigenous people of the Amazon where the bark and leaves are prepared in many different ways and are used for different purposes like remedies for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, and muscle pains. Indigenous people in Peru have used iporuru as remedy for osteoarthritis symptoms, and in aiding flexibility and range of motion. Tribes like Candochi-Shapra and the Shipibo Indian tribes use the plant?s bark and roots for treating rheumatism as well. Tikuna tribe, on the other hand, prevents diarrhea by taking one tablespoon of the plant?s bark decoction before meal. Iporuru?s leaves are crushed to relieve joints pain, and beaten into a paste to relieve pain from stingray wounds. Other names: Iporuru, Iporoni, Iporuro, Ipururo, Ipurosa, Macochihua, Niando, Pajaro

Alchornea castaneifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Rainforests at lower elevations and flood plains of the Amazon River system in Peru.

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Coming Soon

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 4

Iporuru has a high reputation as a medicinal herb in parts of S. America, though it is little known elsewhere. The bark and leaves are used for many different purposes and are prepared it in many different ways. However, it is especially valued for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is also widely used as an aphrodisiac and general tonic to the reproductive system. It is commonly used with other plants during shamanistic training and, sometimes, is an ingredient in ayahuasca (a hallucinogenic, multi-herb decoction used by South American shamans). The plant has been shown to contain steroids, saponins, phenols, flavonols, flavones, tannins, xanthones, and alkaloids. The anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to a group of alkaloids, including one called alchorneine, which are found in the bark of this and several other members of the genus. There has been little clinical research on the plant - despite its long history of use. That which has been done, however, does help explain some of its traditional uses. An ethanol extract of the stembark has been shown to reduce swelling and inflammation when applied topically. This extract also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis - these prostaglandins are linked to inflammatory processes and diseases and the inhibitory activity may, in part, explain the traditional use of Iporuru for treating inflammatory joint and muscle disorders such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, and rheumatism318]. Other research has supported Iporuru's antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor activities. An ethanol extract of the herb has proved to be much more effective than a water extract. A tincture of the bark or leaves is used as a treatment for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, and muscle pains. It relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and aids flexibility of the joint and range of motion. A decoction of the bark is taken before meals to prevent diarrhoea. The crushed leaves are anodyne. They are rubbed on painful joints and are beaten into a paste to apply to painful stingray wounds. A decoction of the leaves is used as a treatment for coughs. The leaves are used to increase female fertility (mostly in cases where the male is relatively impotent). It is widely used as an aphrodisiac and geriatric tonic for males and is regarded as a remedy for impotency as well as for balancing blood sugar levels in diabetics. The plant has been gaining popularity among North American athletes and health practitioners recently; with reports suggesting that it provides nutritional support to muscle and joint structures.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antiarthritic: Treats arthritis.

Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.

Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Antitumor: Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer. Probably synonymous with Cytotoxic.

Antiviral: Treats virus diseases

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating: 2

Other uses rating: Low (2/5). Other Uses: The thin layer of heartwood is greyish to dull chocolate brown; the sapwood is a lustrous pale brown with a greyish cast. The wood is straight-grained; medium-textured; light in weight and soft. It has no distinctive taste or odour. The wood is used for fuel.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

The plant can withstand seasonal inundation. Iporuru can be harvested only in the Amazon's dry season; it spends the rainy season underwater. The locals believe that the active medicinal properties found in the bark are present only during the dry season.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Iporuru, Iporoni, Iporuro, Ipururo, Ipurosa, Macochihua, Niando, Pajaro

Synonyms

Alchornea passargei Pax & K.Hoffm. Hermesia castaneifolia Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. Hermesia salicifo