Common names | Quassia, Amargo, Bitter-ash, Bitter-wood, Hombre grande 

Scientific name | Quassia amara
Used part | Branches

Known active compounds | quassin
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory 

Product name | Quassia-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Quassia amara, commonly known as quassia, amargo, bitter-ash, bitter-wood, hombre grande, is a woody plant native to Central and South America. All parts have been traditionally used for various purposes. Bark and young stem were used as a natural insecticide and crushed leaves were used as a mosquito repellent. Quassia was also used to restore appetite, stimulate digestion, or to treat fever.

 

Quassinoid, especially quassin, is the major component of the quassia plant. Ethanol extract of quassia wood showed anti-microbial activity against Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and Malassezia furfur. Quassia extract was studied for anti-inflammatory activity. The study showed anti-inflammatory activity of quassia by inhibiting production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-1βand expression of iNOS and COX-2. The anti-inflammatory activity was comparable or greater than Grindelia robusta, Salix nigra, and Arnica montana.