Cinchona ( Cinchona calisaya ) serve para malária

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Cinchona (Cinchona calisaya) is used for malaria

Quinine is a substance that is extracted from the bark of a plant common in the countries of South America, known as quina or, scientifically, as Cinchona calisaya.

In the past, quinine was one of the most used substances in the treatment of malaria, but since the creation of other synthetic drugs such as chloroquine or primaquine, quinine has only been used in some more specific cases of malaria and under medical guidance.

Although quinine is not widely used today, its tree remains a source for the preparation of traditional remedies, such as quina tea, due to its febrifugal, antimalarial, digestive and healing properties.

What is the quinine tree for
In addition to providing high concentrations of quinine, the quinine tree also contains other compounds such as quinidine, cinconine and dihydroquinamine, which can be used for various purposes, the main being:

Assist in the treatment of malaria;
Improve digestion;
Help detoxify the liver and the body;
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action;
Fight fever;
Reduce body pain;
Assist in the treatment of angina and tachycardia.

In addition, the compounds obtained from the quinine plant, mainly quinine, can also be used as a bitter additive in some foods and drinks, and can be found, for example, in some tonic waters. However, in the form of a soda, quinine is not in sufficient concentrations to have a therapeutic effect.

Contraindications and possible side effects
The use of the quinine plant and, consequently, quinine, is contraindicated for pregnant women, children, as well as patients with depression, blood clotting problems or liver diseases. In addition, the use of quinine should be evaluated when the patient uses other drugs, such as Cisapride, Heparin, Rifamycin or Carbamazepine.

It is important that the use of the quinine plant is indicated by the doctor, as excessive amounts of this plant can have some adverse effects, such as altered heartbeat, nausea, mental confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, hemorrhages and liver problems.