Brazilian Peppertree

(Schinus molle, terebinthifolius, aroeira)

Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Schinus
Species: molle, terebinthifolius, aroeira
Synonyms: Schinus angustifolius, S. areira, S. bituminosus, S. huigan, S. occidentalis, S. antiarthriticus, S. mellisii, Sarcotheca bahiensis
Common Names: Brazilian peppertree, Peruvian peppertree, California peppertree, aroeira, aroeira salsa, escobilla, Peruvian mastic tree, mastic-tree, aguaribay, American pepper, anacahuita, castilla, false pepper, gualeguay, Jesuit's balsam, molle del Peru, mulli, pepper tree, pimentero, pimientillo, pirul
Phytochemicals: a-Amyrin, Behenic Acid, A-Bergamont-trans-ene, Bourbonene, d-Cadinene, a-Cadinol, d-Cadinol, t-Cadinol, a-Calacorene, g-Calacorene, iso-Calamenediol, Calamenene, Calcium, Camphene, Car-3-ene, Carvacrol, b-Caryophyllene, Cerotic Acid, a-Copaene, Croweacin, a-Cubebene, para-Cymene, b-Elemene, Elemol, b-Elemonic acid, a-Eudesmol, b-Eudesmol, g-Eudesmol, Fisetin, Gallic Acid, Geraniol Butyrate, Germacrene D, b-Guaiene, a-Gurjunene, Heptacosanoic acid, a-Humulene, Laccase, Lignoceric acid, Limonene, ( )Limonene, Linoleic Acid, dihydro-Malvalic acid, iso-Masticadienoic acid, 3-epi-Iso-Masticadienolalic acid, iso-Masticadienolic acid, Menth-cis-2-en-1-ol, a-Muurolene, g-Muurolene, t-Muurolol, Myrcene, Nerol hexanoate, Octacosanoic acid, Octanoic Acid Methyl Ester, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Pentacosanoic acid, Pentan-1-ol,3-methyl, Peroxidase, a-Phellandrene, b-Phellandrene, ortho-ethyl Phenol, Pinene, a-Pinene, b-Pinene, Piperine, trans-Piperitol, Protocatechuic acid, Quercetin, Quercetrin, Quercitrin, iso-Quercitrin, Raffinose, Rutin, Sabinene, b-Sitosterol, b-Spathulene, Tannin, a-Terpinene, g-Terpinene, a-Terpineol, Terpinolene, Tricosanoic acid, Cyanidin-3-o-alpha-l-galactoside, Peonidin-3-o-beta-d-glucoside
Parts Used: Fruit, bark, leaf

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: kills bacteria kills fungi kills Candida yeast reduces inflammation dries secretions regulates heartbeat lowers blood pressure mildly laxative stimulates uterus heals wounds

Other Actions: relieves pain kills cancer cells relieves depression reduces spasms kills viruses stimulates digestion increases urination stimulates menstruation reduces phlegm kills insects

Standard Dosage: Leaf, Bark. Bark Decoction: 1/2 cup twice daily; Leaf Infusion: 1/2 cup twice daily; Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily

Brazilian peppertree is a shrubby tree that is indigenous to South and Central America and can also be found in semitropical and tropical regions of the United States and Africa. In both North and South America, three different trees - Schinus molle, Schinus aroeira, and Schinus terebinthifolius - are all interchangeably called "peppertrees."

All parts of the tree have high oil and essential oil contents that produce a spicy, aromatic scent. The leaves of the Brazilian peppertree have such high oil content that leaf pieces jerk and twist when placed in hot water as the oil is released. The berries, which have a peppery flavor, are used in syrups, vinegar, and beverages in Peru; are added to Chilean wines; and are dried and ground up for a pepper substitute in the tropics. The dried berries have also been used as an adulterant of black pepper in some countries.

Phytochemical analysis of Brazilian peppertree reveals that the plant contains tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroidal saponins, sterols, terpenes, and a large amount of essential oil. The essential oil present in the leaves, bark, and fruit is a rich source of chemicals (over 50 constituents identified thus far, including biologically active triterpenes and sesquiterpenes). Some of these chemicals scientists have not seen before, and many of the plant's documented biological activities are attributed to its essential oil. The fruit can contain up to 5% essential oil, and the leaves can contain up to 2% essential oil.

In laboratory tests, the essential oil (as well as leaf and bark extracts) has demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties. Brazilian peppertree has displayed good-to-very strong in vitro antifungal actions against numerous fungi, as well as Candida. The essential oil and leaves have clinically demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity against numerous bacterial strains (which probably explains why it is an herbal remedy for so many infectious conditions in its native countries). In addition to these documented antimicrobial properties, Brazilian peppertree passed an anticancer plant screening program in 1976 by demonstrating antitumorous actions. More recently, in 2002, researchers in Argentina documented that it was toxic in vitro against a human liver cancer cell line.

Over the years, several research groups have conducted studies on Brazilian peppertree that have further substantiated some of its many traditional uses in herbal medicine, such as its properties to lower blood pressure and to stimulate uterine activity, as well as its pain- relieving, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Besides these uses substained by research, several others can be found in folk medicine throughout the centuries.
Virtually all parts of this tropical tree, including its leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, resin, and oleoresin (or balsam) have been used medicinally by indigenous peoples throughout the tropics. The plant has a very long history of use and appears in ancient religious artifacts and on idols among some of the ancient Chilean Amerindians.
Throughout South and Central America, Brazilian peppertree is reported to be an astringent, antibacterial, diuretic, digestive stimulant, tonic, antiviral, and wound healer.
Brazilian peppertree is still employed in herbal medicine today in many countries.
Following-up here a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses of brazilian peppertree.

Region	Uses
Argentina	for diarrhea, menstrual disorders, respiratory tract infections, inflammation, urinary tract infections, wounds
Brazil	for bronchitis, constipation, cough, cystitis, depression, diarrhea, eye diseases, fever, flu, gonorrhea, heart problems, hemorrhage, inflammation, menstrual disorders, respiratory tract infections, rheumatism, spasms, tumors, urethritis, urinary tract disorders, and as a astringent, stimulant, and tonic
Colombia	for diarrhea, lung diseases, rheumatism
Mexico	for asthma, bronchitis, cataract, colic, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, digestive disorders, flu, foot fungus, gonorrhea, gum, mouth sores, rheumatism, sores (skin), stomachache, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, ulcers, urogenital diseases, venereal disease, warts, wounds, and as an astringent
Paraguay	for gonorrhea, menstrual disorders, sores, urethritis, urinary insufficiency, wounds
Peru	for constipation, fevers, fractures, rheumatism, toothache, tumors, urinary insufficiency, warts, wounds, and as an antiseptic
South Africa	for arrhythmia, colds, cough, depression, gout, hypertension, inflammation, pain, rheumatism
Turkey	for constipation, coughs, excessive mucous, gonorrhea, urinary insufficiency, and as a digestive stimulant, and tonic
Uruguay	for menstrual disorders, rheumatism, wounds, and as an antiseptic
Elsewhere	for bronchitis, constipation, coughs, excessive mucous, edema, eye diseases, gingivitis, gout, hypertension, menstrual disorders, rheumatism, sores, swelling, urinary insufficiency, urogenital inflammation, venereal disease, viruses, and to stimulate digestion

BRAZILIAN PEPPERTREE PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	tincture
Main Actions (in order):	antibacterial, anticandidal, antifungal, antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart)
Main Uses:	as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiseptic against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections for Candida and yeast infections to tone, balance, and strengthen heart function and as a heart regulator for arrhythmia and mild hypertension to stop bleeding and heal wounds internally and externally for Mycoplasmal infections
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancerous, anticandidal, antifungal, antispasmodic, antitumorous, antiviral, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), wound healer
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	antidepressant, antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), antiseptic, aperient (mild laxative), astringent, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), digestive stimulant, diuretic, menstrual stimulant, stimulant, tonic
Traditional Preparation:	The leaves are best prepared as an infusion, and the bark is best prepared as a decoction or an alcohol tincture. Bark: generally, 1/2 cup of a bark decoction twice daily is used for colds, flu, sore throats and other upper respiratory infections; 2-3 ml of a 4:1 tincture taken two or three times daily can be substituted, if desired. This traditional remedy is also used as a heart tonic and for irregular heartbeat. Leaf: A leaf decoction twice daily or as needed is generally used for menstrual disorders.
Contraindications:	It has as a mild hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure). This plant was shown to stimulate the uterus  in some studies and therefore should not be used in pregnancy.
Drug Interactions:	None reported. However, this plant has exhibited hypotensive actions; in light of such, it is conceivable that the use of this plant may potentiate high blood pressure medications.

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