Simarouba glauca (Simaroubaceae) Lakshmi Taru, Anticancer tree

Das K
Jan 2
7 min read

Simarouba glauca (Paradise Tree)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Simarouba glauca

Family: Simaroubaceae

Genus: Simarouba

Related Herbs from the same family:

The Simaroubaceae family is notable for its intensely bitter principles and historical use against fevers and parasites.

· Brucea javanica (Ya Dan Zi): A traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for dysentery and malaria, sharing similar bitter, antiparasitic properties.

· Picrasma excelsa (Quassia): The source of the famous bitter tonic "quassia wood," used as a digestive stimulant, febrifuge, and insecticide.

· Ailanthus excelsa (Aralu/Mahanimba): An Ayurvedic herb used for digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and as an anti-inflammatory.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antiprotozoal, Antimalarial, Antidiarrheal, Antidysenteric, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anthelmintic (de-worming), Anticancer (studied), Antioxidant.

Medicinal Parts:

Various parts of the tree are utilized, with the bark being the most prominent.

· Bark: The primary medicinal part, used for decoctions.

· Leaves: Used in infusions and poultices.

· Seeds: Source of an edible oil and used in some preparations.

· Roots & Wood: Also contain active bitter principles.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Quassinoids (Glaucarubin, Glaucarubinone): These are intensely bitter compounds highly specific to the Simaroubaceae family. They are responsible for the plant's potent Antiprotozoal and Antimalarial activities, directly attacking parasitic organisms.

Alkaloids (Canthin-6-one derivatives): These contribute to the Antimicrobial and potential Anticancer properties observed in research.

Tannins: Provide Astringent action, which underlies its use in treating diarrhea and dysentery by precipitating proteins and tightening tissues.

Triterpenoids & Sterols: Support Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Vishama Jwara (Malaria)

Formulation: Bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A strong decoction of the bark has been used in the Caribbean and Central American traditions as a primary remedy for malaria and intermittent fevers.

Reasoning: The quassinoids, particularly glaucarubinone, have demonstrated direct activity against the Plasmodium parasite causing malaria, validating its traditional use as a febrifuge.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Pravahika (Dysentery)

Formulation: Bark or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is consumed to stop bacterial and amoebic dysentery and severe diarrhea.

Reasoning: The combined action of astringent tannins, which reduce gut inflammation and secretion, and antiprotozoal quassinoids, which target causative parasites like Entamoeba histolytica, makes it a comprehensive remedy.

Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Bark extract.

Preparation & Use: The bitter extract is taken orally to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The anthelmintic properties of its phytochemicals paralyze or kill intestinal parasites.

Arbuda (Tumors) & Vrana (Ulcers)

Formulation: Poultice or wash.

Preparation & Use: Leaf poultices are applied to wounds and skin ulcers. Internally, extracts have been studied for antitumor potential.

Reasoning: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds aid wound healing, while specific alkaloids and quassinoids have shown cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines in laboratory studies.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The seeds yield a high-quality edible oil used in cooking and for making soaps. The fruit pulp can be eaten. Medicinal use is primarily through decoction.

Antimalarial/Antiparasitic Bark Decoction

Purpose: For febrile illnesses and intestinal parasites.

Preparation & Use:

· Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried, chopped bark.

· Boil in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.

· Strain and drink 1/4 cup of this very bitter decoction 2-3 times daily for a short period. Due to potency, professional guidance is crucial.

In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Simarouba glauca (Paradise Tree, Lakshmi Taru)

Introduction

Simarouba glauca, while valued for its drought resistance and biofuel potential, its profound medicinal importance stems from its intensely bitter principles. Traditionally revered as a "bitter tonic" across Latin American and Indian ethnomedicine, it is a premier remedy for parasitic and protozoan infections, especially malaria and amoebic dysentery. Its therapeutic signature is defined by a unique class of highly oxygenated triterpenoids known as quassinoids, which rank among the most bitter substances known and possess exceptional antiparasitic and cytotoxic activities.

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1. Quassinoids (The Primary Bioactive Class)

Key Compounds:

The phytochemistry of S. glauca is dominated by complex, highly bioactive quassinoids (degraded triterpenoids). These are the plant's primary defense compounds and medicinal agents.

· Glaucarubin: A major quassinoid, extensively studied for its potent antimalarial and amoebicidal properties.

· Ailanthinone

· Simaroubide and Simarolide

· Glaucarubolone

· 13,18-Dehydroglaucarubinone

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

Quassinoids are responsible for the plant's most powerful and specific pharmacological effects.

· Potent Antimalarial & Antiamoebic: This is the flagship action. Glaucarubin and related compounds exhibit direct, dose-dependent activity against Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) and Entamoeba histolytica (causative agent of amoebic dysentery). They disrupt protein synthesis in the parasites' ribosomes and inhibit mitochondrial function. Clinical studies in the mid-20th century confirmed its efficacy against drug-resistant malaria and amebiasis.

· Anticancer & Cytotoxic: Quassinoids like ailanthinone are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis and nucleic acid metabolism in eukaryotic cells. They induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines (e.g., leukemic, breast, colon), making them significant leads for anticancer drug development.

· Antiviral: Extracts and specific quassinoids have demonstrated activity against viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and dengue virus, likely through inhibition of viral replication.

· Bitter Tonic & Digestive Stimulant: The extreme bitterness powerfully stimulates the secretion of saliva, gastric juices, and bile, acting as a potent digestive and appetizer.

2. Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids

Key Compounds:

· Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Catechin, Epicatechin.

· Coumarins: Scopoletin.

· Lignans: Hinokinin, among others.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

While secondary to the quassinoids, the phenolic matrix provides critical supportive and protective actions.

· Antioxidant: Flavonoids and coumarins provide significant free radical scavenging activity. This is crucial for mitigating the oxidative stress and tissue damage that accompany severe infections like malaria and dysentery.

· Anti-inflammatory & Antipyretic: These compounds inhibit inflammatory mediators (PGE2, TNF-α) and help lower fever, providing symptomatic relief alongside the direct antiparasitic action of the quassinoids.

· Antimicrobial Synergy: Phenolics exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity, helping to prevent secondary infections in the gut or wounds.

3. Triterpenoids and Sterols

Key Compounds:

· Intact Triterpenoids: β-Amyrin, Sitosterol (β-sitosterol), Stigmasterol.

· Bitter Principles (precursors): Some simpler terpenoids contributing to the overall bitter taste.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing: β-Sitosterol is a well-known anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. Topically, it promotes wound contraction and healing.

· Gastroprotective: Triterpenoids like β-amyrin have demonstrated protective effects against gastric ulcers, complementing the digestive stimulant action of the bitters.

· Adaptogenic Support: Phytosterols can help modulate the stress response, which is valuable during debilitating febrile illnesses.

4. Fixed Oil and Other Compounds

Key Compounds:

· Fixed Oil (from kernels): Rich in oleic acid (≈50-60%), stearic acid, palmitic acid, and arachidic acid. The oil is edible, stable, and non-toxic.

· Proteins & Amino Acids: Present in the seed cake after oil extraction.

· Tannins: Present in the bark and leaves, contributing to astringency.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Nutritive & Cosmetic: The kernel oil is a high-quality edible oil with a composition similar to olive oil. It is also used in soaps and cosmetics as an emollient.

· Astringent & Antidiarrheal: Tannins in the bark decoction provide astringent properties, useful for treating non-infectious diarrhea and toning the gut mucosa.

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An Integrated View of Healing in Simarouba glauca

Simarouba glauca represents a paradigm of a targeted "bitter tonic," where the primary, potent quassinoids execute a direct attack on pathogens, while a suite of supporting compounds manages symptoms and protects the host.

· For Malaria and Amoebic Dysentery: The plant acts with precision and support. The Quassinoids (Glaucarubin) are the frontline antiparasitic agents, directly killing Plasmodium or Entamoeba parasites. Simultaneously, the Anti-inflammatory & Antipyretic Flavonoids/Coumarins reduce the debilitating fever, headache, and body aches. The Astringent Tannins (in bark preparations) help resolve the diarrheal symptoms by toning the intestinal mucosa. This makes it a historically crucial, broad-acting antiparasitic specific.

· As a Bitter Digestive Tonic and Hepatoprotective: The intense bitterness triggers a cephalic and gastric phase of digestion, stimulating the entire digestive cascade. This not only improves appetite and assimilation but also promotes bile flow, offering a cholagogue effect that decongests the liver. The antioxidant flavonoids protect hepatocytes, while the gastroprotective triterpenoids shield the stomach lining. It is thus a comprehensive digestive restorative after infection or for general dyspepsia.

· For Topical Applications and Wound Care: The synergy here is functional. The antimicrobial Quassinoids and Phenolics prevent infection in wounds or skin ulcers. The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing Triterpenoids/Sterols reduce swelling and promote granulation tissue formation. The astringent Tannins help dry the wound. The fixed oil can serve as a base for salves.

· As a Functional Food and Potential Adjunctive Therapy: The non-toxic, nutritious kernel oil provides a sustainable food source. Given the strong cytotoxic activity of Quassinoids against cancer cells and their antiviral potential, standardized extracts represent a serious candidate for adjunctive therapy in modern oncology and virology, warranting rigorous clinical investigation.

7. Disclaimer:

Simarouba glauca is a powerful medicinal plant with potent bioactive compounds. Its use, especially internally, requires precise knowledge of dosage and contraindications. It is not traditionally a major herb in classic Ayurveda but has been adopted in some regions. It is generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to its antiprotozoal activity. Excessive doses can cause nausea and vomiting. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner familiar with its properties. This information is for academic purposes only.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

· Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk

· Scientific journals on ethnopharmacology focusing on Central American flora.

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Brucea javanica (Ya Dan Zi)

· Species: Brucea javanica | Family: Simaroubaceae | Genus: Brucea

· Similarities: A direct botanical relative from the same family, equally famed for its potent antiparasitic and antimalarial properties due to a shared profile of bitter quassinoids.

2. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

· Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta

· Similarities: While from a different family, Neem is the quintessential broad-spectrum antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and blood-purifying herb in Ayurveda. Both are used for malaria, skin diseases, worms, and as febrifuges, though Neem has a much wider traditional use base in South Asia.

3. Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh)

· Species: Andrographis paniculata | Family: Acanthaceae | Genus: Andrographis

· Similarities: Known as the "King of Bitters," Kalmegh shares the strong antipyretic and anti-infective properties, particularly for liver and digestive infections, fevers, and malaria. Both are considered potent, cleansing herbs rather than nutritive tonics.

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PREHEALING

Simarouba glauca (Simaroubaceae) Lakshmi Taru, Anticancer tree

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