Cayaponia tayuya uses and benefits

Tayuya (Cayaponia tayuya), a vine from the Amazon region, is traditionally used in South American folk medicine for various ailments, including pain relief, detoxification, and as a blood cleanser, with some research suggesting anti-inflammatory properties.

Traditional Uses and Beliefs:
Pain Relief:
Tayuya is known for its analgesic properties, traditionally used to treat various types of pain, including arthritis, migraines, headaches, and menstrual pain.
Detoxification and Blood Cleansing:
It’s believed to be a good detoxifier and blood purifier, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.
Skin Conditions:
Traditional use includes treating skin problems like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
Rheumatism and Arthritis:
It’s used to alleviate symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
Nerve Pain:
Tayuya is used for nerve pain, neuralgias, sciatica, backaches, headaches, gout, epilepsy, rheumatism.
Other Traditional Uses:
It’s also used for liver and spleen obstructions, ulcers, dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach tension, sluggish digestion, water retention, and emotional fatigue.

Scientific Evidence and Research:
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Studies on rodent models have shown that cucurbitacins isolated from tayuya roots may have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce damage from arthritis.
Flavonoids:
The flavonoid-enriched fraction of tayuya extract has shown anti-inflammatory properties both in vivo and in vitro, inhibiting mouse ear oedema and NO production, iNOS and COX-2 expressions in macrophages.
Other Phytochemicals:
Tayuya is rich in various phytochemicals, including alkaloids, cayaponosides, cucurbitacins, isoorientin, isovitexin, orientin, saponins, vitexin, spinosyn, swertisin, and isoswertisin.
Traditional Preparation and Dosage:
Infusions:
Tayuya root is traditionally prepared in infusions, with 1 cup dosages taken two to three times daily.
Powdered Root:
Alternatively, 1-2 grams of the powdered root can be stirred into juice, water, or food and taken two to three times daily.