Ayurvedic Information About Cinchona Plant
Cinchona Vanaspati Information in English
• Marathi Name: Sinkona Kunain
• Hindi Name: Kunain, Kailisaya
• English Name: Cinchona
• Family: Rubiaceae
• Genus: Cinchona
• Place of Origin: Andes Mountains, South America.
• Availability in Asian Countries: Cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Java–Sumatra Islands, Tanzania, and other countries.
Leaves:
Simple leaves, arranged opposite to each other.
Flowers:
Divided into five parts, small white or pinkish. Tubular structure towards the bottom. Flowers appear in clusters and are aromatic.
Medicinal Part Used:
The bark of this tree is removed and used in medicine.
Chemical Constituents Found in Cinchona Bark:
• Quinidine
• Cinchonine
• Cinchonidine
• Cincetin
• Hydroquinine
• Mwina–min
• And an alkaloid called Quinine is found.
Medicinal Uses of Cinchona Plant:
• In malaria (fever), medicines made from Cinchona bark are used.
• For dysentery, stomach disorders, weak digestion—taking 2 to 5 grams of Cinchona bark powder with milk is beneficial.
• Helps in reducing intestinal inflammation.
• In anemia and loss of appetite, Cinchona powder increases appetite and improves health.
• During childbirth, bark powder or oil-based formulations are used to stimulate uterine contractions and ease delivery.
Note: Should not be consumed during pregnancy; may cause miscarriage.
• Useful in any type of fever.
• Used in eye hospitals for preparing medicines for eye wash.
• Used in preparing insecticides.
• Cinchona-based liquids are used for hair wash.
• The bark left after extracting quinine is used in tanning leather.
• Quinine-based medicines are useful in arthritis.
How to Use the Medicine?
• Remove the bark, dry it, make powder, and consume only with a doctor’s advice.
Precautions While Consuming:
• Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting.
• Do not consume during pregnancy; may cause miscarriage.
• Only beneficial during delivery time (under medical supervision).
• Heart patients should take it only after consulting a doctor.
Ayurvedic Information About Cinchona Plant
Cinchona Vanaspati Information in English
