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Herbs & Supplements
Abuta
Other Names: Bejunco de Cerca, Butua, False Pareira, Ice Vine, Pareira Brava, Patacon, Velvetleaf
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Uses
NOTE: In various parts of South America, another tropical vine, Abuta grandiflora, is also called abuta. Abuta grandiflora is very different from Cissampelos pareira. They contain different chemicals and they have different medical uses. Individuals who decide to use abuta should look for the scientific name, Cissampelos pareira, on the ingredient list of the package.
Additionally, many plants look similar to abuta. Reportedly, some abuta products are contaminated with one or more of these similar plants.
Abuta is native to South America, where it is used for a great variety of conditions that range from acne to malaria. Traditionally, midwives in the areas where it grows have used it to treat female reproductive disorders and relieve complications of pregnancy and labor. Abuta does contain chemicals that relax muscles, including muscles in the reproductive tract, so it may help to make the birthing process easier. Researchers in India have found that an extract of abuta leaves may interfere with female hormonal cycles to disrupt fertility in laboratory animals. In western countries, the main use of abuta is to relieve menstrual cramps.
Abuta contains several chemicals in the alkaloid group. Results of some laboratory and animal studies show that one of abuta's alkaloids, tetrandrine, may be effective at reducing fever, pain, swelling, and inflammation. It may also have some ability to lower blood pressure. Berberine, another alkaloid in abuta, may also decrease blood pressure as well as being slightly anti-infective. Other chemicals in abuta may relax muscles in the walls of blood vessels, possibly adding to abuta's potential ability to lower blood pressure. Several laboratory and animal studies performed over the last 40 years seem to support these effects, but no large, scientific studies verify them in humans.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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