Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovii or Maytenus laevis), a tree native to the Amazon rainforest, has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine among Indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. Its bark is commonly prepared as a tincture or decoction and is used for a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, muscle pain, and specifically menstrual cramps. Ethnobotanical reports indicate that women in some Amazonian communities use chuchuhuasi as a remedy for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), likely due to its reputed anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. However, scientific studies directly evaluating its efficacy for menstrual cramps are lacking. The existing pharmacological research on chuchuhuasi has largely focused on its general anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antirheumatic effects, with some studies demonstrating the presence of triterpenes and alkaloids that may contribute to these activities. Nonetheless, there are no controlled clinical trials or robust scientific studies confirming its effectiveness specifically for menstrual cramps. Therefore, while traditional use for this purpose is well documented, scientific validation is minimal, and the evidence supporting its use for menstrual cramps is best characterized as traditional with a low-to-moderate evidence rating.

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