Angostura
Scientific names: Angostura trifoliata, Galipea officinalis, Bonplandia trifoliata, Cusparia febrifuga, Cusparia trifoliata
Family: Rutaceae
Alternate names: Angusture, Angusture Vraie, Angustura, Carony Bark, Chuspa, Cusparia, Cusparia Bark, True Angostura
Actions: Antimalarial activity, Antimicrobial activity, Cytotoxic activity
Background
Angostura is a small tree. It is native to Venezuela and other tropical parts of South America. The bark is used to make medicine.
People use angostura for fever, diarrhea, spasms, preventing the return of malaria, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods, angostura is used in alcoholic beverages. But "angostura bitters," which is sometimes used in mixing alcoholic beverages, no longer contains angostura. It is now made from gentian and other bitters.
People use angostura for fever, diarrhea, spasms, preventing the return of malaria, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods, angostura is used in alcoholic beverages. But "angostura bitters," which is sometimes used in mixing alcoholic beverages, no longer contains angostura. It is now made from gentian and other bitters.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Angostura extract is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when used in amounts commonly found in foods or drinks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if angostura is safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger than the amounts found in foods or drinks. Large doses of angostura might cause nausea and vomiting.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if angostura is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Spasms.
- Causing vomiting.
- Emptying the bowels.
- Preventing return of malaria.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of angostura depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for angostura. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Angostura interacts with any medicines. Before taking Angostura, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Angostura has chemicals that help reduce spasms.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 09/12/2014 17:38:43. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
