Scientific Name: Abuta
Other Names: Bejunco de Cerca, Butua, False Pareira, Ice Vine, Laghupatha, Pareira Brava, Patacon, Velvetleaf

Who is this for?

Uses

NOTE: In various parts of South America, another tropical vine, Abuta grandifolia, is also called abuta. Abuta grandifolia 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.

Very little reliable information is available about abuta. Pregnant women should not take it because it can cause the uterus to relax or contract, possibly leading to a miscarriage or uterine bleeding. Whether abuta is passed to an infant in breast milk is not known. Therefore, its use should be avoided in women who are breastfeeding.

Precautions

In South America, other products from the plants Abuta grandifolia and species of Chrondrodendron are known as abuta or pareira. These products have different uses and properties than the abuta from Cissampelos pareira. Individuals who have any doubt about the source of the product they plan to take, should not use it.

What side effects should I watch for?

No side effects have been reported from using abuta in recommended amounts. However, laboratory and animal studies have shown that abuta may have unpredictable effects on heart function and that it may lower blood pressure. Therefore, individuals who have heart conditions or who take heart or blood pressure medications should use it only with the approval of a doctor.

Abuta has been shown to have antispasmodic effects, which means it can help prevent or lessen muscle contractions--including the muscles in the uterus. Therefore, abuta may cause menstrual periods to start or it may interfere with a pregnancy.

What interactions should I watch for?

No interactions between abuta and prescription drugs, non prescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods have been reported. However, because few reliable studies of abuta have been conducted, its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not understood completely. Individuals who plan to use it--especially individuals who take drugs for high blood pressure and other heart problems--should inform a doctor or pharmacist of all the prescription and nonprescription medicines they take before beginning to use abuta.

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how abuta interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

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 by humans.

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. Individuals 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 15, 2008

References

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Last Revised July 15, 2008

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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