Simarouba glauca, Paradise tree uses and benefits

This plant is best prepared as a decoction. Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Bring to a boil and gently boil in a covered pot for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and settle for 10 minutes and strain warm liquid into a cup (leaving the settled powder in the bottom of the pan). It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, 2-3 times daily.

The main active group of chemicals in simarouba are called quassinoids. The antiprotozoal and antimalarial properties of these chemicals have been documented for many years. Several of the quassinoids found in simarouba, such as ailanthinone, glaucarubinone, and holacanthone, are considered the plant’s main therapeutic constituents and are the ones documented to be antiprotozal, anti-amebic, antimalarial, and even toxic to cancer and leukemia cells.

Traditional Uses: for dysentery (amebic and bacterial) and diarrhea; for intestinal worms and internal parasites; for malaria; as an astringent to stop bleeding internally (stomach ulcers, hemorrhages, etc) and externally for wounds; for viral infections

While anticancer properties of Simarouba glauca (SG, commonly known as Paradise tree) are well documented in ancient literature, the underlying mechanisms leading to cancer cell death begin to emerge very recently. The leaves of SG have been used as potential source of anticancer agents in traditional medicine.

The use of Simarouba amara has a long history in folk medicine of many countries. Ethnopharmacological data suggest the use of a cup of S. amara stem bark decoction, 2–3 times per day, to treat malaria, inflammation, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, wounds and as a tonic.

The bark and leaf extract of Simarouba is well known for its different types of medicinal properties which are used in the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria, oedema, fever, intestinal parasites, and colitis.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties:
The paradise tree is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, with extracts used to alleviate pain and treat various ailments.
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties:
Research suggests that the bark and extracts of the tree possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties, potentially effective against certain pathogens and viruses.
Other Traditional Uses:
Bark: Used as a bitter tonic and to stop bleeding.
Leaves: Used in the treatment of rheumatism or applied as a lotion for body pain, bruises, or skin itch.
Fruit: A strong stimulant with a bitter taste, used to treat dysentery.
Seeds: Used to treat snake bites
Modern Research:
Anticancer Properties: Some studies suggest that the plant’s extracts have shown promise in cancer treatment.
Anti-amoebic and Antimalarial Properties: The bark and its active compounds, quassinoids, have shown effectiveness against amoebic dysentery and malaria, including drug-resistant strains.

Simarouba glauca, also known as the Paradise Tree or Bitterwood, is used for a variety of medicinal and other purposes. Its leaves, bark, and fruits have traditional uses for treating conditions like malaria, fever, dysentery, and digestive issues. Additionally, extracts from Simarouba glauca have shown potential in cancer research and are used in some traditional medicine practices.

Medicinal Uses:
Traditional Uses: Simarouba glauca has been used traditionally in various parts of the world for a wide range of ailments, including fever, dysentery, cough, and malaria.
Antimicrobial Properties: Studies have shown that extracts of Simarouba glauca have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Anticancer Potential: Research suggests that Simarouba glauca extracts may have anti-cancer effects, with some studies focusing on their potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Antioxidant Activity: Simarouba glauca is rich in antioxidants, which may help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
Other Uses: The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, and anti-ulcer properties.
Digestive Aid: In South America, the leaves and bark are used as a digestive aid.
Tonic and Astringent: Simarouba glauca leaves are used as a tonic and astringent.
Anti-inflammatory: Simarouba glauca has shown anti-inflammatory activity.
Anti-diarrheal: Tannins in Simarouba glauca may help relieve diarrhea.