Four remarkable plants of the Amazon
06/30/2020
Strategic Area:
Species -
Content Type: Blog
Remarkable Plants of the Amazon
To inspire awe of the planet’s extraordinary biodiversity, Nature and Culture is glad to share our monthly series: 12 Strange Miracles of the Rainforest and Beyond.
“Miracle” #5: Nature’s Pharmacy
The Amazon rainforest is the most abundant greenhouse on the planet with more than 150,000 species of plants. Rich in beneficial nutrients, phytochemicals and active elements, Amazonian plants are often used for traditional medicinal purposes, and many are the inspiration behind modern pharmaceuticals.
Biological surveys in the Amazon rainforest have revealed hundreds of herbal plant remedies used for traditional medicine. For example, malaria, one of the most lethal diseases in the tropics, can be treated (to varying degrees) with no less than 41 different species of plants in the Brazilian Amazon.
While there are many medicinal plants that are currently unknown – or known exclusively to local indigenous people – here are four known plants used to treat all sorts of ailments.
Jaborandi
Jaborandi is the common name for Pilocarpus species, which comes from the Tupi-Guarani language ya-mbor-endi, meaning “what causes slobbering.” Pilocarpine, an important drug for the treatment of glaucoma and xerostomia, is derived from the jaborandi plant.
There are a number of species of the jaborandi plant. Pilocarpus microphyllus, which produces a substantial amount of pilocarpine, is primarily reported in the northern region of Brazil (comprising the states of Pará, Maranhão and Piauí) and some locations in Suriname.
The species Pilocarpus pennatifolius is traditionally used by the Guarani people of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina (outside of the Amazon) to treat mouth ulcers, and stave off colds and the flu.
Achiote
Achiote is a shrub or tree that produces pink flowers along with pods filled with red, pigmented seeds.
Achiote’s vibrant pigmentation made it a popular ingredient in many cosmetic and culinary products. However, its fruit and seeds have long been used by indigenous people for ritual body painting, sunscreen, insect repellent, and more. Additionally, achiote leaves are boiled to treat fevers and heal wounds.
Curare
The curare plant makes tubocurarine, formerly extracted for use as a muscle relaxant.
Indigenous people originally used curare as a paralyzing poison in blow darts. It was an effective hunting tool because, due to the properties of curare, an animal shot with the poison was still safe to ingest.
Tubocurarine was introduced into anesthesia in the early 1940s, paving the way for other muscle relaxants to be used in modern medical practices.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw attaches itself around tree trunks with tiny green thorns — hence its name. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and has been shown to decrease clinical signs of knee arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in humans.
Indigenous people traditionally use its roots to cure everything from rheumatism and toothaches to cuts and bruises.
Ethnobotanists are currently studying traditional methods of using plants for medical solutions in the Amazon rainforest. However, as deforestation continues and indigenous lifestyles are threatened, these species and their medicinal properties may be lost to us forever.
The variety of life on the planet is our greatest treasure. Yet one million of the estimated eight million plant and animal species on Earth are at risk of extinction. Nature and Culture hopes that by sharing these 12 Strange Miracles you’ll be filled with wonder and gratitude for each species that enriches the planet. Stay tuned for next month’s feature!
