Huanarpo Macho

(Jatropha macrantha)

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Taxon: Jatropha macrantha Mull. Arg
Synonyms: Jatropha aphrodisiaca
Common names: higos del duende, huanarpo, huanarpo macho, huanarpo de Canta, guarnarpo macho, mitocala, palo de grado, sangre de drago, simayuca, urco huanarpo, vanarpo, wanarpo
Parts Used: young branch stems

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: stimulates libido supports sexual function increases energy supports renal function calms nerves

Other Actions: calms coughs antioxidant

Standard Dosage: Branch stem. Tincture: 3 ml twice daily; Capsules: 2-3 g daily; Decoction: 1 c 3 times daily

Huanarpo macho is medium shrubby tree (10 to 12 m in height) indigenous to Peru and can be found in abundance in the Marañon river valley in the Amazon and in the Puno district in Peru. Huanarpo macho is a plant that follows, what is termed in botany and ethnobotany as, the "Doctrine of Signatures." The Doctrine is based on that, by observation, one can determine from the color of the flowers or roots, the shape of the leaves, the place of growing, or other "signatures," what the plant should be used for. The young branch stems of the huanarpo macho tree are shaped like a man's anatomy and for centuries these young branch stems have been used in traditional medicine systems to support, aid, and enhance male sexual function.

Huanarpo macho contains sapogenins, steroids, flavonoids, ethereal oils, and alkaloids. It also contains a large amount of proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins are compounds, naturally occurring in various plants, with anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities. They are reported to prevent skin aging and heart diseases, to scavenge oxygen free radicals, and inhibit UV radiation-induced peroxidation.

Several researchers reported in the last few years the possible role of proanthocyanidins as sexual stimulants, specifically able to correct erectile dysfunction and infertility. Thus, the high amount of these chemicals in huanarpo macho is in agreement with the traditional use of this plant as an aphrodisiac, as the Italian researchers documenting the proanthocyanidins in huanarpo macho stated. A Peruvian researcher however, attributed the aphrodisiac effect of a tincture of huanarpo macho to its alkaloid content.

One of the main proanthocyanidins in huanarpo macho is one called proanthocyanidin B-3 and it occurs in large quantities in the young branch stems. Other researchers studying this antioxidant chemical report that it is capable of interacting with and regulating bradykinin (a hormone in the body). Both human and animal studies have demonstrated that the corpus cavernosum is capable of relaxing in the presence of bradykinin and impairment of endothelium-dependent cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation occurs in vascular-associated diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia which cause erectile failure. Regulating bradykinin, in the manner which proanthocyanidin B-3 does, has also been suggested as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction and/or achieving and maintaining an erection for longer periods of time.
With such a high amount of antioxidant proanthocyanidins, it's not surprising that crude extracts of huanarpo macho root and bark were reported with antioxidant actions. In a study conducted with mice in 2003, researchers mixed 5 grams of huanarpo macho ground powder in 100 ml of water and gave it to mice to drink as their drinking water at will. At the end of thirty days, the group of mice receiving the huanarpo macho had increased their testosterone levels significantly over the control group which only received regular water. Progesterone and estrogen levels did not increase. These researchers attributed some of these hormonal effects to huanarpo macho's sapogenin chemicals.

In herbal medicine systems in Peru, Huanarpo macho is considered aphrodisiac, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antitussive, anti-ulcerous, and nervine. It is widely used to restore male sexual potency, for premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and as a male sexual tonic and aphrodisiac. It has recently been called "Peruvian Viagra" in various marketing programs and is as popular in Peru as a male aphrodisiac as muira puama is in Brazil for the same purpose. In addition, the branches and/or tree bark is also used in Peruvian herbal medicine for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, and diabetes in Peru. Herbalists and practitioners in Peru believe that huanarpo macho can block alpha-adrenoreceptors which reduce the effect of hormones that cause vasoconstriction of blood vessels in penile tissues and augment the production of norepinephrine which is essential in maintaining erectile function. Based on the chemistry of the plant, there is some support for that type of mechanism of action.

Following up, a brief summary of worldwide ethnomedical uses of huanarpo macho.

Region	Uses
Argentina	as a blood depurative
Peru	as an aphrodisiac, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antitussive, depurative, and nervine; for asthma, erectile dysfunction, erectile function, premature ejaculation
United States	as an aphrodisiac; for erectile function and dysfunction

HUANARPO MACHO PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	tincture
Main Actions (in order):	aphrodisiac, erectile enhancer, tonic, stimulant, antioxidant
Main Uses:	as a male sexual stimulant, libido enhancer and aphrodisiac for erectile dysfunction for renal and adrenal support as a nervine to calm and support the central nervous system as an antitussive; for coughs, asthma and bronchitis
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	antioxidant, hormone stimulant (testosterone), cytotoxic (Artemia)
Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	aphrodisiac, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-tussive, antiulcerous, nervine
Traditional Preparation:	The young branch stems are typically prepared in alcoholic tinctures for its sexual stimulant actions. The branch stems and/or the tree bark are usually decocted in water for remedies pertaining to the upper respiratory system and lungs.
Contraindications:	None reported
Drug Interactions:	None reported.

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