Abuta
Other Names: Bejunco de Cerca, Butua, False Pareira, Ice Vine, Pareira Brava, Patacon, Velvetleaf
Should I take it?
Native to the Amazon basin of South America, abuta now grows in most humid, tropical areas of the world, including Florida and Puerto Rico. Abuta grows as a vine that reaches up to 20 feet in length. It has long, somewhat heart-shaped leaves, large berries, and woody stems. The part most frequently used in herbal medicine is the bark, but the leaves and roots have also been used. Abuta berries cannot be eaten.
Similar-looking plants with the scientific names, Abuta grandifolia and Chrondrodendron contain chemicals that are very different from those in abuta. Due to their similar sounding names, abuta from Cissampelos pareira and Abuta grandifolia may be confused. Individuals should not take any abuta product if they are unsure of its origin. Package label should be checked to assure that Cissampelos pareira is listed as the main ingredient of the product.
Dosage and Administration
In South America, abuta bark is brewed into a tea, which must be sweetened or flavored because it is extremely bitter. Although dosing for commercially available abuta is not standardized, a common recommendation is to take capsules or tablets containing one gram to 2 grams of powdered abuta bark twice a day. It is also available as an oral tincture that must be diluted in water before use. The dosing recommendations on the product package should be followed exactly.
Summary
Known as the "midwife's herb" in South America, abuta is used to treat a wide range of women's complaints--primarily menstrual cramping. In some parts of the world, it is also used to reduce fever, inflammation, and pain.
Risks
Abuta from Cissampelos pareira should not be confused with Abuta grandifolia. Although the two plants are both called "abuta" in parts of South America and Central America, they are very different in composition and use. Another related, but different, plant is called pareira in the places where abuta is grown. It, too, has different uses from the abuta sold in the U.S. If the origin of an abuta product is not clearly identified on the product's label, it should not be taken.
Side Effects
Abuta has relaxing effects on smooth muscles, such as those in the walls of blood vessels and in the uterus. Taking it may lower blood pressure slightly or may cause muscles in the uterus to relax or contract.
Interactions
No interactions have been reported between abuta and prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods. But, because it can relax muscles in the blood vessels, abuta may have a lowering effect on blood pressure. People who also take drugs to lower blood pressure may experience blood pressure that is too low if they take abuta. Signs of low blood pressure are confusion, dizziness, and fainting.
Because few reliable studies of abuta have been conducted, its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not understood completely. Be sure that your doctor or pharmacist is aware of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you take before you begin to use abuta or any other herbal supplement.
Last Revised July 19, 2007
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Should I take it? 
