Mutamba

(Guazuma ulmifolia)

Family: Sterculiaceae
Genus: Guazuma
Species: ulmifolia
Synonyms: Bubroma guazuma, Diuroglossum rufescens, Theobroma guazuma, Guazuma coriacea, G. inuira, G. polybotra G. tomentosa, G. utilis
Common Names: Mutamba, mutambo, embira, embiru, West Indian elm, guazima, guacima, guacimo, guasima de caballo, aquiche, ajya, guasima, cimarrona, guazuma, bolaina, atadijo, ibixuma, cambá-acã, bay cedar, bois d'homme, bois d'orme, bois de hetre, orme d'Amerique
Phytochemicals: Alkaloids, Beta-sitosterol, Caffeine, Friedelin-3alpha-acetate, Friedelin-3beta-ol, Mucilage, Tannins, Terpenes
Parts Used: Bark, leaves, root

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: kills bacteria kills fungi kills viruses kills cancer cells cleanses blood suppresses coughs fights free radicals lowers blood pressure relaxes muscles stops bleeding heals wounds

Other Actions: reduces inflammation prevents ulcers supports heart stimulates digestion protects liver reduces fever promotes perspiration

Standard Dosage: Bark. Infusion: 1 cup 1-3 times daily; Capsules: 2 g twice daily; Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily

Mutamba is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 m high, with a trunk 30 to 60 cm in diameter. Mutamba is indigenous to tropical America on both continents and found throughout the Amazon rainforest.

Mutamba bark is a rich source of tannins and antioxidant chemicals called proanthocyanidins. One in particular, procyanidin B-2, helps validate mutamba's long standing use in several countries for hair loss and baldness. In 1999, researchers in Japan reported that procyanidin B-2 was a safe topical hair-growing agent. From 2000 to 2002, they published three in vitro and in vivo (in balding men) studies showing that procyanidin B-2 promoted hair cell growth and increased the total number of hairs on a designated scalp area. Researchers have determined that mutamba bark is a rich source of this natural chemical compound. Other independent research indicates that procyanidin B-2 also has antitumorous and anticancerous effects (even against melanoma) as well as lowers blood pressure and protects the kidneys. The bark also contains a chemical called kaurenoic acid which has been documented with antibacterial and antifungal properties in many studies over the years. The leaves of mutamba contain caffeine, however none has been found in the bark of the tree.

Mutamba's long history of effective uses in herbal medicine propelled researchers to begin studying its properties and activities in the laboratory (beginning in 1968). It has been the subject of numerous studies since. In the first study published reported that it lowered heart rate and blood pressure, relaxed smooth muscles and stimulated the uterus. Two years later, another researcher reconfirmed the uterine stimulant effects, validating its historical uses as a uterine stimulant and childbirth aid. In eight different studies from 1987 to 2003, various leaf and bark extracts have clinically demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity in vitro against several disease-causing pathogens, including Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli, and Neisseria gonorrhea. One of the recent 2003 studies also confirmed its antioxidant effects. In a 1995 in vitro study, mutamba also demonstrated antiviral activity against Herpes simplex type 1.

These studies could certainly explain why mutamba has been used so effectively in herbal medicine systems for many types of gastrointestinal problems, such venereal diseases as gonorrhea and syphilis, and upper respiratory conditions (pneumonia and bronchitis). Subsequent research focusing on particular chemicals found in mutamba documented their ability to interfere with an enzyme process by which bacteria and pathogens replicate. Scientists showed that these chemicals interacted with a cholera toxin-preventing its toxicity and the resultant diarrhea.

Traditionally a decoction of mutamba leaves has been used in Mexico for diabetes. It has only been recently (in 1998) that researchers in Mexico validated this indigenous use, publishing a study showing that a leaf extract significantly decreased hyperglycemia. Of particular note (in 1990), a Brazilian research group demonstrated that a crude extract of mutamba bark was toxic to cancer cells in vitro, exhibiting a 97.3% inhibition rate. In yet another recent study (in 2002), Belgium researchers reported the possible mechanism by which mutamba bark reduces hypertension - it inhibits an enzyme called angiotensin II. Angiotensin inhibitors represent a newer classification of heart drugs (newer than the ACE-inhibitors) which are now being prescribed to lower blood pressure.

Mutamba holds a place in herbal medicine systems in many tropical countries; chiefly the bark and leaves are used.

It is often turned to first for upper respiratory infections as it can quiet coughs, reduce fever, as well as provides antiviral and antibacterial actions.

Following-up a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses of mutamba.

Country	Uses
Belize	for childbirth, diarrhea, dysentery, infections, prostate problems, rashes, skin, uterine problems, sores
Brazil	for asthma, blood cleansing, bronchitis, coughs, dysentery, excessive mucous, fever, hair loss, hepatitis, liver problems, parasites (head), pneumonia, skin diseases, syphilis, ulcers, and to increase perspiration
Colombia	as a uterine stimulant
Cuba	for bruises, burns, colds, flu, hemorrhoids, urinary insufficiency, wounds
Dominican Republic	for dysentery, fertility (veterinary), lung problems, and to increase perspiration
Guatemala	for bruises, dermatitis, erysipelas, fevers, gonorrhea, kidney diseases, skin disorders (irritation, eruptions, inflammation, sores, ulcers), stomachache, stomach inflammation, wounds, and to increase perspiration
Haiti	for blood cleansing, cough, diabetes, diarrhea, digestive sluggishness, fever, flu, fractures, scurvy, skin problems, wounds
Jamaica	for diarrhea, elephantiasis, leprosy, malaria
Mexico	for asthma, chest problems, childbirth, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, elephantiasis, fever, gastrointestinal problems, hemorrhages, infectious diseases, kidney problems, leprosy, malaria, rashes, skin problems, syphilis, uterine pain, wounds
Peru	for diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis, elephantiasis, fever, hair loss, hepatitis, kidney disease, leprosy, liver disease, lung problems, malaria, syphilis
Venezuela	for syphilis, wounds, and to increase perspiration and lower body temperature
Elsewhere	for asthma, bleeding, bronchitis, chest problems, elephantiasis, hair loss, hypertension, kidney disorders, liver problems, obesity, skin problems, stomachaches, and to increase perspiration

 

MUTAMBA PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	decoction
Main Actions (in order):	antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
Main Uses:	as a topical hair remedy for hair loss and baldness as a digestive aid for stomachache, diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach inflammation as an external skin remedy for wounds, rashes, skin parasites, dermatitis, fungal infections and leprosy for viral and bacterial infections (including syphilis, gonorrhea, upper respiratory viruses, and kidney infections) as an astringent to stop bleeding
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	ACE-inhibitor (typically lowers blood pressure), antibacterial, anticancerous, antifungal, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antitumorous, antiviral, cardiac depressant, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), hypoglycemic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), muscle relaxant, uterine stimulant
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	anti-inflammatory, antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), cough suppressant, antiulcerous, astringent, blood cleanser, decongestant, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), digestive stimulant, emollient, febrifuge (reduces fever), hepatoprotective (liver protector), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), wound healer
Traditional Preparation:	For upper respiratory infections, asthma and other respiratory problems: one cup of a standard bark decoction 2-3 times daily. For gastrointestinal problems and other conditions: the same bark decoction is used or 2-3 ml of a 4:1 tincture twice daily or one to 2 grams of powdered bark daily in tablets or capsules or stirred into water or juice can be substituted if desired. For hair loss: the same bark decoction is rinsed through the hair several times weekly.
Contraindications:	Mutamba bark has been documented in several animal studies to have uterine stimulant activity and it should not be taken during pregnancy. Mutamba bark has been documented in animal studies to lower blood pressure. In vitro studies indicate that it can inhibit angiotensin II. People with a history of heart problems, those taking heart medications, or those with low blood pressure should not use this plant without supervision and advice of a qualified health care practitioner.
Drug Interactions:	None published; however, mutamba bark may potentiate the action of certain antihypertensive drugs.

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.