None known

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Analgesic  Cardiotonic  Carminative  Digestive  Febrifuge  Mouthwash  Poultice

The plant is commonly used in Brazil, especially to treat digestive problems and a sluggish liver. Modern research has borne out these traditional uses. The plant contains a number of active compounds including steroids, saponins, glycosides, and alkaloids in the root, stem, and leaves. The alkaloids are found more abundantly in the root, although they are also present in the stem and leaves. The steroids and saponins are found in higher quantities in the root, while the leaves have the greatest amount of glycosides. The plant also has been found to contain a large proportion of bitter properties, which were thought to contribute to its ability to stimulate digestion[318 ]. Solanidine and solasodine were discovered in the leaves and fruit, which probably accounts for its liver-protective properties[318 ]. The compound solanin, also found in the plant, has been documented in clinical research to possess analgesic activity (possibly through its ability to block pain impulses in the nervous system)[318 ]. One study has shown that the root, stem, flower, leaf, and fruit of the plant have anti-ulcer activity[318 ]. The plant also has been documented to have cardiotonic activity, possibly due to the alkaloid solanidine, which has been documented to have this activity[318 ]. The leaves and roots are used as a tonic and for treating fevers, anaemia, erysipelas, hepatitis, liver and spleen disorders, uterine tumours, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, and other such digestive problems as sluggish digestion, bloating, and flatulence. Jurubeba leaf tea is a very common household remedy throughout Brazil for hangovers, especially when combined with indigestion and bloating from overeating[318 ]. The plant is sometimes employed externally in poultices to heal wounds and ulcers[318 ].

Other Uses: None known

Special Uses