Bobinsana

(Calliandra angustifolia)

Family: Mimosaeae
Taxon: Calliandra angustifolia Spruce ex Benth.
Synonyms: Calliandra sodiroi Harms, Calliandra stricta Rusby, Calliandra subnervosa Benth., Feuilleea angustifolia
Common names: bobinsana, bobinzana, balata, bobensana, bubinianal, bubinsana, bushiglla, capabo, chipero, cigana, koprupi, kori-sacha, kuanti, neweí, quinilla blanca, semein, sháwi, yacu yutzu, yopoyo
Parts Used: Bark, root

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS Main Actions: anti-inflammatory anti-arthritic anti-rheumatic tonic depurative stimulant anticancerous Other Actions: contraceptive diuretic Standard Dosage Bark or root Tincture: 2-5ml twie daily Decotion: 1 cup twice daily

Bobinsana is a shrubby tree native to South America and can be found in the Amazon regions of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.

Thus far, only one laboratory study has been published on bobinsana. Researchers in Sweden evaluated the anti-inflammatory action of a ethanol extract of the tree's bark. While they reported that it was inactive with a topical application on rat's ears, they did report that the extract inhibited COX-1 prostaglandin biosynthesis. COX-inhibitors are a class of pharmaceutical drugs for arthritis and this documented action may help explain why bobinsana has such a long-standing reputation for arthritis and rheumatism in South American herbal medicine.

In the Amazon, the Indians of the Rio Pastaza consider bobinsana to be a stimulant. They prepare a decoction of the roots to take for strength and energy. The Shipibo-Conibo Indians in the Ucayali area of Peru call the tree semein and prepare a bark tincture for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, uterine disorders, and edema (or water retention). The indigenous people and tribes in the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon prepare a bark tincture (with aguardiente) for bone pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and colds. They also grate the bark into baths to increase resistance to sickness and to resist the cold and chills.

Bobinsana is also used by the Indians as an adjunctive ingredient in various ayahuasca recipes in the Amazon. Ayahuasca is a phytochemically-rich combination of plants brewed by Indian shamans to connect to the spirit world. Through a series of reactions among chemicals from several plants working together, a hallucinogenic plant extract is created. While bobinsana is not itself a hallucinogen, it is considered a "plant teacher" and is sometimes added to ayahuasca recipes to help the shamans connect to and learn from the plants on a spiritual level.

In Peruvian herbal medicine systems a decoction of the bark is prepared and it is considered to be anti-rheumatic, contraceptive, tonic, stimulant, and depurative. A bark decoction is also used for dyspnea (shortness of breath). A decoction of the roots is recommended for uterine cancer and as a depurative (blood cleanser) as well. A decoction of the entire plant (leaves, stem, twigs, flowers) is prepared as a decoction as a general energizing tonic.

BOBINSANA PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	tincture or decoction
Main Actions (in order):	anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, depurative, anti-cancerous, tonic
Main Uses:	for arthritis and rheumatism as a blood cleanser for uterine cancer as a stimulating tonic for colds/flu
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	COX-1 inhibitor
Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	anti-arthritic, anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, contraceptive, depurative, stimulant, tonic
Traditional Preparation:	Bark: usually prepared in a tincture or a decoction for arthritis and rheumatism Root: generally prepared as a decoction for blood cleansing and cancer
Contraindications:	Bobinsana is traditionally used as a contraceptive in Peru. While there is no research to confirm this possible action, those seeking to get pregnant should probably avoid this plant.
Drug Interactions:	None known

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