Cumaseba

(Swartzia polyphylla)

Family: Fabaceae
Taxon: Swartzia polyphylla DC.
Synonyms:Swartzia acuminata, Swartzia opacifolia, Swartzia platygyne, Swartzia urubuensis, Tounatea acuminata, Tounatea oblonga, Tunatea acuminata
Common names: anushi remo caspi, arabá, cumaceba, cumaseba, jabelona, marin comatsehue, paracutaca, pitaica
Parts Used: Bark

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: reduces inflammation relieves pain kills bacteria kills fungi kills candida kills cancer cells

Other Actions: female aphrodisac hormonal support

Standard Dosage: Bark Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily Decotion: 1 cup twice daily

Cumaseba is a tropical rainforest tree that grows up to 15 meters high. It can be found in lower elevations throughout the Amazon basin area in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and the three Guianas (Guyana, French Guiana, & Suiname).

Cumaseba is rich is flavonoids and isoflavones. It contains a significant amount of an isoflavone chemical called biochanin A which has been well studied and documented (over 150 studies published to date). Biochanin A is a chemical referred to as a "phytoestrogen" which is found in other plants like red clover (the richest source of biochanin A documented thus far).

Scientists have confirmed through in vitro testing that cumaseba is a good antimicrobial. It has been reported to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including several antibiotic-resistant strains, the stomach bacteria linked to ulcers and stomach cancer, H. pylori, several types of mouth bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis, and other gram-positive strains of bacteria. Cumaseba has also been documented to have actions against fungus and candida.

A Brazilian research group screening plants against cancer reported that cumaseba bark was toxic to colon and lung cancer cell lines in vitro but the action was not very strong. Another research group identifying a new isoflavone in cumaseba reported that an ethanol extract of the heartwood (as well as the new chemical they discovered) was able to inhibit Protein Kinase C (PKC). PKC inhibitors have attracted a great deal of scientific interest worldwide, as there is evidence that too much PKC enzyme is involved in a wide variety of disease processes including arthritis, asthma, brain tumors, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

In the Amazon, the bark and/or wood of the cumaseba tree is employed as a postpartum tonic, for rheumatism, and to speed the healing of bone fractures and dislocations. The Tirio Indians in Suriname prepare the bark in a decoction for malaria. The Shipibo-Conibo Indians in the Peruvian Amazon use the bark as an antiseptic, and use the tree resin dropped into the eyes for eye infections, failing eyesight and for optic nerve injuries. Other tribes in the Amazon believe that the tree bark gives strength and prevents laziness. It is also used to strengthen the body during illness and to speed healing.

In Peruvian herbal medicine systems cumaseba bark is considered an aphrodisiac and tonic; it is recommended for yeast infections, colds and flu, rheumatism, for female disorders and as a postpartum tonic.

CUMASEBA

Main Actions (in order):	antibacterial, antiseptic, anticandidal, tonic, anti-rheumatic
Main Uses:	for rheumatism and arthritis for painful and/or inflamed joint, muscle and/or bone conditions as a female hormonal tonic and aphrodisiac for candida, yeast infections and fungal infections for colds, flu, tuberculosis and other upper respiratory bacterial infections
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	antibacterial, anticandidal, antifungal, antimycobacterial, cytotoxic, larvacidal, PKC inhibitor
Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	analgesic, anti-candidal, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, tonic, and vulnerary
Traditional Preparation:	Cumaseba bark is traditionally prepared in the Amazon in alcohol tinctures. When it is used externally (for fractures and dislocations), sometimes it is prepared in a decoction and the affected part of the body is soaked in the warm decoction.
Contraindications:	None reported.
Drug Interactions:	None reported.

WARNINGS: The statements given in these pages have an informative aim and are drawned on international publications. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.