Botanical Overview
Simaruba Bark (Simarouba glauca) is a flowering plant in the Simaroubaceae family. The traditional uses of this species reflect its genuine medicinal value, validated by generations of practical experience. The quassia family (Simaroubaceae) includes trees and shrubs with bitter bark, compound leaves, and small, unisexual flowers. The fruits are typically drupes or samaras. Many species contain quassinoids, intensely bitter compounds with antimalarial and anticancer activity.
General Description
Common names include paradise-tree, dysentery-bark, and bitterwood. The tree is well suited for warm, humid, tropical regions. Its cultivation depends on rainfall distribution, water holding capacity of the soil, and sub-soil moisture. It is suited for temperature range of 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F), and can grow at elevations from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It grows 40 to 50 ft (12 to 15 m) tall and has a span of 25 to 30 ft (7. 6 to 9. 1 m). It bears yellow flowers and purple elongated oval fleshy fruits.
Family Context
The Simaroubaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Stinktree — 36 documented uses
- Bitterwood — 21 documented uses
- Cedron — 10 documented uses
- Bitterwood — 9 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Simaruba Bark has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and others.
Traditional Uses
Simaruba Bark has been traditionally used for digestive health, pain and inflammation, and fever management, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Dyspepsia
- Colic
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Stomachic
- Purgative
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Pain and inflammation.
- Anodyne
- Rheumatism
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Fever management.
- Malaria
- Fever
Febrifuge preparations are typically administered as hot teas to induce perspiration, which helps the body regulate temperature. The patient is kept warm and encouraged to rest while the herb promotes sweating.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 15 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).