Cinchona bark

The cinchona bark tree is a genus of plant whose bark is used to make medicine. Cinchona bark is used to increase appetite, stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and to treat a bloated feeling, fullness and stomach problems. It is also used for hemorrhoids, varicose veins and cramps in the legs. Some people use cinchona bark for flu, colds, malaria and fever. Other uses include the treatment of cancer, diseases of the mouth and throat, enlarged spleen and muscle cramps. Cinchona bark is used in eye lotions to numb pain, kill pathogens and as an astringent. Cinchona bark extract is applied to the skin for hemorrhoids, to stimulate hair growth and to treat varicose veins.

How does cinchona bark work?

Cinchonabark stimulates salivation and the secretion of stomach acid. It contains quinine, a chemical used to treat malaria.

How effective is cinchona bark?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of cinchona bark in the treatment of malaria. Cinchona bark contains quinine and related chemicals. Although quinine has been shown to be effective in preventing malaria and controlling symptoms, people who use cinchona bark expose themselves to risky side effects. Some chemicals found in cinchona bark can slow the heart rate, cause constipation and affect the central nervous system. Doctors recommend that only purified quinine or other appropriate medication should be used to prevent or control malaria. In America, all products containing cinchona bark must carry the following warning: "Discontinue use if ringing in the ears, deafness, skin rashes or visual disturbances occur." There is also insufficient scientific data on the effectiveness of cinchona bark for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, colds, leg cramps, flu, fever, cancer, mouth and throat disorders, enlarged spleen, muscle cramps, loss of appetite and stomach problems such as bloating or a bloated feeling. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of cinchona bark in all these applications.

Safety and side effects

Cinchonabark appears to be safe and harmless for most people when used correctly. However, when taken in large amounts, cinchona bark is not safe and can be potentially fatal. Symptoms of overdose include ringing in the ears, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and visual disturbances. In addition, cinchona bark can cause bleeding and allergic reactions including hives and fever.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use cinchona bark. There is some evidence that cinchona bark is not safe or safe to use during pregnancy. Not much is known about the safety of cinchona bark during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid cinchona bark. Stomach and intestinal ulcers: People suffering from stomach or intestinal ulcers should not use cinchona bark as it could increase the risk of bleeding. Surgeries: Cinchona bark can slow down blood clotting. There are concerns that this may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. For this reason, the use of cinchona bark should be stopped at least 2 weeks before planned operations.

Interactions

Cinchona bark should not be used in combination with the following medications:

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Feverfew could slow down blood clotting. Taking cinchona bark in combination with medicines that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise. Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Quinidine

Quinine bark contains quinidine. Taking quinidine in combination with cinchona bark can increase the effects and side effects of quinidine and cause heart problems. For this reason, cinchona bark should not be used when taking quinidine.

Quinine

Quinine b ark contains quinine. Taking quinine in combination with cinchona bark can increase the effects and side effects of quinine and cause heart problems. For this reason, you should not use cinchona bark if you are taking quinine.

Caution should be exercised when using cinchona bark in combination with the following medications:

Carbamazepine

The body breaks down carbamazepine in order to be able to excrete it. Quinine can cause the body to break down carbamazepine too quickly. Taking cinchona bark in combination with carbamazepine can therefore reduce the effectiveness of carbamazepine.

Phenobarbital

Quinine bark contains quinine. Quinine could increase the amount of phenobarbital in the body. Taking cinchona bark in combination with phenobarbital could increase the effects and side effects of phenobarbital.

Care should be taken when using cinchona bark in combination with the following medications:

Acid blockers

Acid blockers are used to reduce stomach acid. Cinchona bark could increase the secretion of stomach acid and thereby reduce the effectiveness of acid blockers. Drugs that reduce the secretion of stomach acid (H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors)

Cinchona bark could increase the secretion of stomach acid and thereby reduce the effectiveness of H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors used to reduce stomach acid.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of cinchona bark depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for cinchona bark. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.