Anamù: Properties And Contraindications
South American folk medicine uses anamu to fight inflammation and pain, strengthen the immune system, and treat some chronic diseases. It is a herbaceous shrub native to the Amazon rainforest but also grows throughout Latin America, Central America, and the United States.
Mucura, apacina, guine, guinea hen weed are some of the other names with which the Petiveria alliacea is called . One of the characteristics of the root and leaves of this plant is a strong garlic smell. According to a study conducted only on animals, the anamu could improve brain function.
Properties and benefits of the anamu
The benefits offered by the anamu are different. Let’s see the main ones.
It has antioxidant properties
Thanks to its compounds, the anamu is endowed with antioxidant properties. Contains flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenes and sulfur, all substances capable of fighting free radicals.
According to an article published in Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery , free radicals are associated with chronic disorders and diseases, heart, brain and diabetes.
It reduces inflammation and relieves pain
This plant has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. According to a study conducted on mice and published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine , anamu reduces inflammation markers such as interleukin 6, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Research on guinea pigs published in Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology has shown that the anamu can significantly relieve pain.
Instead, a study of 14 volunteers with osteoarthritis found that anamu tea is not as effective as other drugs. More research on humans is certainly needed to understand the real effectiveness of this remedy.
Improve mental performance
A study carried out on animals by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology hypothesizes that the anamu is able to improve short and long-term memory. During the research, in fact, the animals showed to improve the learning ability.
Another study in guinea pigs confirmed that the anamu improves long-term memory and reduces symptoms of anxiety; it is not sure that it strengthens short-term memory. However, the actual effects it could have on humans still need to be investigated.
Anti-cancer properties?
In a test-tube study the anamu contributed to the death of cancer cells of the prostate, breast, lung, colon and pancreas; therefore it is hypothesized that the extract of this plant may be effective in blocking the evolution of some tumors.
This action is due to active ingredients such as flavonoids, fatty acids, coumarins and sulfur. Again, more human studies are needed. It must also be considered that it is a first oncological approach.
Other possible benefits of the anamu
The anamu can offer further advantages:
- Strengthens the immune system. A study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine indicates that some compounds of the anamu could stimulate the immune system. The investigation has yet to be further investigated.
- Antimicrobial properties. Thanks to the sulfur contained, the anamu offers antibacterial and antifungal properties, according to Phytochemistry .
- Reduces anxiety. Although these are still animal studies, the anamu is believed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Method of use and contraindications.
Anamu is available over the counter and can be purchased in different presentations : powder, tinctures, dried leaves or capsules. Currently, there is insufficient data to recommend an exact dose, due to scant human research. Despite limited information, some supplement packages recommend 400 to 1250 milligrams per day. There is no certainty about quantities.
Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has suggested that short-term use in small doses may have low toxicity. However, in the long term it could generate negative effects such as confusion, tremor, sleepiness, seizures and restlessness.
It should be borne in mind that anamu supplements are not subject to safety tests ; therefore, being not regulated, some brands may contain doses different from those specified on the label.
It is advisable to pay particular attention to taking it together with anticoagulants or medications for heart disease. Anamu already contains a small amount of a natural blood thinner called coumarin .
Who shouldn’t consume it?
As we said, it is a plant with little research related to human consumption. It is therefore advisable to avoid its intake by pregnant women, breastfeeding women or with small children.
If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor before trying any use of the anamu plant.
Anamù in summary
The anamu is a herbaceous shrub characterized by a strong smell of garlic. In traditional medicine it is used to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, strengthen the immune system, reduce anxiety and improve mental performance.
Despite the many benefits, this plant still needs further research to investigate its properties and possible side effects.
