Mulateiro

(Calycophyllum spruceanum)

Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Calycophyllum
Species: spruceanum
Synonyms: Calycophyllum multiflorum, Eukylista spruceana
Common names: ashi, asho, capirona, capirona de bajo, capirona negra, corusicao, escorrega-macaco, firewood tree, mulateiro, mulateiro-da-várzea, naked tree, palo mulato, pau-marfim, pau mulato, pau-mulato-da-várzea, uhuachaunin, haxo, huiso asho, nahua
Parts Used: Bark

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: kills bacteria kills fungi heals wounds fights free radicals kills parasites kills insects repels insects soothes skin

Other Actions: stops bleeding

Standard Dosage: Bark Decoction: 1/2 cup 2-3 times daily Decoction: Applied topically

Mulateiro is a fascinating multi-purpose canopy tree in the Amazon. It grows tall and straight up to a height of about 30 meters, and has been long used as a source of good, high density lumber.
Mulateiro is noted for its ability to completely shed and regenerate its bark on a yearly basis, making harvesting the bark a totally renewable and sustainable enterprise. The bark is smooth (as if polished) and changes colors throughout the year as it matures - going from a green tone to a brownish tone. This particular species is indigenous to the Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. It is called mulateiro or pau-mulato in Brazil and it goes by name of capirona in Peru.

Mulateiro bark contains a great deal of tannin chemicals which give it an astringent or drying effect. Recently the plant has been documented to contain a high content of phenols and organic acids which have demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activity. The isolated phenols have demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, which may explain its traditional use to stop the aging process of the skin.

Only two studies have been published thus far on mulateiro. In 2001, researchers reported that it demonstrated strong antifungal activity in vitro against eleven common skin fungi and yeasts. In 2003, researchers reported the discovery of several new plant chemicals called seco-iridoids and reported that three of them were active against the tropical parasite, Trypansoma cruzi. With these studies, as well as the two groups of chemicals demonstrating antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties, scientists are just beginning to validate its traditional uses for various bacterial and fungal infections of the skin and as an insect repellent.


Mulateiro bark is deeply ingrained in the native culture - from being used as an admixture in the Ayahuasca rituals, to its many different uses in folkloric medicine. In the Amazon a poultice made from the bark is used topically in treating cuts, wounds and burns and believed to have antifungal and wound-healing qualities. The Indians also use a tea made from the bark on their bodies after bathing and then sun dry themselves. This forms a thin film covering their bodies believed to help fight the effects of aging, parasites and fungal infections. Indigenous people of the Amazon also use a bark decoction to treat diabetes. They boil 1 kg of bark in 10 liters of water until 4 liters remain. It is believed that if this decoction is drunk every day (about 5 ounces daily) for three consecutive months that it is a "cure" for diabetes. Peruvian tribes also apply the powdered bark to fungal infections of the skin. They also prepare a bark decoction to treat skin parasites - especially "sarna negra" - a nasty little bug that lives under the skin which is commonly found in the Amazon basin area.

In Peruvian herbal medicine today mulateiro is used for many purposes.
It has recently sparked the interest of scientists and formulators of natural body care products in South America for it beneficial effect to the skin. Even a branch of the Brazilian government is currently working with researchers and manufacturers about these new possible uses and markets for mulateiro bark in the body care products industry. As a result of this work, mulateiro was been approved in the European Union as an ingredient employed in cosmetic products in February, 2006.

Following-up a brief summary of ethnomedical uses of mulateiro.

Region	Uses
Amazonia	as a contraceptive, emollient and vulnerary; for burns, cuts, diabetes, fungal infections, skin parasites, and wounds
Brazil	for age spots, cuts, diabetes, eye infections, ovarian problems, scars, scrapes, skin fungi, skin parasites, skin problems, wrinkles, and wounds, and as an antioxidant and cosmetic
Paraguay	for diabetes
Peru	as an antiseptic, cicatrizant, contraceptive, emollient, hemostat, tonic, and vulnerary; for abscesses, age spots, anti-aging, bleeding, bruises, cancer, diabetes, eye infections, fibromas, fungal infections, infections (skin), insect bites, liver problems, malaria, ovarian disorders, pellegra, rashes, scabies, scars, skin parasites, skin problems, skin tumors, swelling, tumors, uterine cancer, wounds, and wrinkles

MULATEIRO PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	decoction
Main Actions (in order):	antifungal, anticandidal, astringent, insecticidal, wound healer
Main Uses:	for fungal infections of the skin (athlete's foot, nail fungus, etc.) for skin parasites for Candida and yeast infections as a skin aid for wrinkles, scars, freckles, and age spots for diabetes
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	antibacterial, anticandidal, antifungal, antioxidant, insecticidal, insect repellant
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	antidiabetic, antiparasitic, astringent, emollient, wound healer
Traditional Preparation:	For internal use: the standard remedy is ½ to 1 cup of standard decoction two to three times daily. For external use: the same decoction is also a common topical remedy for skin problems, wounds, skin fungus, and overall skin health. It is applied directly to the affected area several times daily and allowed to dry before covering.
Contraindications:	None known.
Drug Interactions:	None known.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. 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 disease treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.