Ipecacuana

So is the Ipecacuana

Ipecacuana is a shrub native to India, also cultivated in South America and Malaysia. Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, it is commercially divided into two main varieties: the "Ipecacuana del Mato Grosso (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) and the "Ipecacuana maggiore or from Costa Rica (Cephaelis acuminata).

Properties and Uses

Characteristic is the content of isoquinoline alkaloids (1.8-4%), among which cephalin, psychotrine and emetine stand out. This last substance, whose name recalls the term emesis, underlines the main phytotherapeutic application of Ipecacuana, which is precisely that of inducing vomiting. This effect is largely due to the irritating action on the gastric mucosa and to a lesser extent to the direct stimulus on the vomiting center.

Also registered as a medicinal specialty, Ipecacuana syrup is used to reduce the absorption of ingested toxic substances; this action is obviously greater the more rapidly it is administered after the toxic substance has been ingested. At lower doses, the effect of these alkaloids makes them of potential use as thinners of bronchial secretions, given their demonstrated ability to increase the amount of mucus and its fluidity, while at the same time exerting a spasmolytic effect on the bronchial level. the indications of Ipecacuana range from pertussis, spasmodic coughs and various forms of bronchitis.

The extracts of Ipecacuana, and in particular emetine, have also proved effective in eradicating the infestation by Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite that causes violent bouts of dysentery. In small doses, the tincture of Ipecacuana has a stimulating effect on gastric secretion, appetite and digestive processes. and hemorrhagic colitis.

Side Effects and Contraindications

While retaining a certain phytotherapeutic use in developing countries, in the more industrialized nations the herbal use of Ipecacuana is now limited, due to frequent side effects (nausea, gastrointestinal irritation); the drug, on the other hand, maintains a certain use as an emetic drug in emergency therapy.

The effect of emetic medicines based on Ipecacuana syrup occurs within 15-30 minutes of ingestion, and is particularly useful in case of toxic poisoning. In such circumstances, any emetic active ingredient is however contraindicated in the face of the ingestion of corrosive products, which could be dangerous if aspirated.

For the above, the medicine must not be administered after ingestion of strong acids, alkalis, strychnine, distilled petroleum or corrosive substances. Its use is also contraindicated in semi-conscious or unconscious people (to avoid the passage of the vomited material in the airways).

The package leaflet also states that Ipecacuana syrup is contraindicated for patients with cardiovascular disorders; the important systemic absorption of emetine, often resulting from the drug's failure to induce vomiting, can in fact give rise to cardiac side effects, such as conduction abnormalities or myocardial infarction. The doses of ipecac are generally followed by a copious intake of fluids to avoid vomiting-induced dehydration.

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