Huacapurana is a medium-sized tree that grows alongside rivers and streams in the Amazon Basin. The Peruvian common name, huacapurana, can apply to three different closely related species of Amazonian trees that are used interchangeably by local inhabitants: Campsiandra angustifolia, C. comosa, and C. laurifolia. When used in Peruvian herbal medicine, the "authentic huacapurana" is considered to be Campsiandra angustifolia. All three are medium sized trees which produce small white to pinkish flowers with red stamens. These trees (as most Campsiandra trees) produce a large bean pod. The seeds are commonly removed from the pod, dried, and then ground into a flour or meal as a food for both people and livestock. This flour is commonly referred to as "chigo-flour."

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Huacapurana (all three species) is a common remedy for malarial fever in Peruvian Amazon. In the Iquitos region, local herbalists and curanderos recommend a decoction or a tincture of the bark to be taken twice daily to reduce the fever related to malaria. In herbal medicine systems in Peru, huacapurana is also recommended for arthritis and rheumatism, diarrhea, as a tonic, and for other feverish conditions. The Witoto Indians in the area use the pulverized bark of C. laurifolia to treat wounds. Locals in the Loreto district of Peru have used a bark tea of C. comosa as a postpartum tonic. In Brazil the tree goes by the common name of cumandá or acapurana and herbalists recommend the bark of C. comosa as a tonic, for malarial fever, and to clean sores and ulcers.

The chemicals in huacapurana bark have not been fully studied or reported. There have been no chemical analyses published in any peer-reviewed journal to date. It is believed to contain anthocyanins, cyanogenic glucosides, heterosides, saponins, and tannins.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

There have been no laboratory studies or clinical research published on huacapurana bark in any peer-reviewed journals or publications. A university in Ecuador was paid to run several studies on a U.S. manufactured huacapurana extract by the company marketing this extract. To date, these studies have not been published in any independent journal or subjected to peer review.

Currently, only one product is available in the U.S. market today for huacapurana. It is being widely touted for Lyme's Disease as well as a host of other microbial issues and diseases. None of these claims can be substantiated by independent third-party documentation or published research, nor even by traditional use. Consumers should ask for a money-back guarantee in the event that this product does not live up to its far-reaching marketing claims.

Traditional Preparation: Traditionally, huacapurana bark is prepared as an alcoholic tincture or as a decoction. See Traditional Herbal Remedies Preparation Methods page if necessary for definitions.

Contraindications: None known.

Drug Interactions: None known.