The botanical name of Anamu is Petiveria alliacea L., which belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family. Amazon Rainforest is the native place of this perennial shrub. Anamu also grows in Central America, Southeastern United States, Caribbean, and some tropical regions. In folk medicine, different plants parts of Anamu used to treat different diseases.
The herbal history described that in the Mayan era Anamu used as an immunity booster and treat multiple respiratory disease conditions such as cold, influenza, etc. In the folk medicinal system, this herb is recommended for oral intake in case of whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, fevers, hoarseness, nervous spasms, paralysis, cystitis, venereal diseases, headaches, fevers, influenza, and menstrual disorders treatment. Traditionally, this herb is externally applied as pain relief in case of ear-ache, headaches, tooth-ache, etc. Some significant traditional applications of Anamu are as follows:
Anamu root contains diverse types of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, and several sulfur-containing amino acids. Anamu contains different types of essential oils like eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, cis-and trans-stilbenes, and dillapiole.
The different phytochemicals present in Anamu exerts different mechanism of actions to impart a variety of mechanism of action.
Anamu can be added to cancer treatment, as it prevents cellular damage by deregulation of the cytoskeleton proteins. In-vitro research result found that the water extract of Anamu whole plant is toxic against leukemia, lymphoma and several other cancer cells.
The whole plant extract had shown that Anamu enhances immune system activity against both bacterial and fungal infections. The antibacterial property of Anamu is effective against Aspergillus niger, C. albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Penicillium chrysogenum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, S. ureus, and Microsporum gypseum.
The antifungal activity of Anamu leaves is effective against Candida species, including Candida parapsilosis, Candida kefyr, and Candida albicans.
Infection associated inflammation can be treated by Anamu herbal remedy. It is also effective to prevent tumor formation due to its strong anti-inflammatory effect. Anamu root extracts have significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. These benefits may make this herb as an alternative treatment of arthritis drugs.
Recently researchers revealed that this herb may have anti-HIV activity due to its antiviral effect and prospective AIDS treatment for the future.
The leaf extract of Anamu can minimize effectively reduce post-prandial glucose levels in diabetics. Animal research has proven its efficacy.
Anamu root extract stimulates the immune system and improves our body defense mechanism. It is effective to prevent cancer and multiple infections.
The whole Anamu extract is an effective treatment option for both upper and lower respiratory disorders. Anamu extract is recommended to treat whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia.
The whole Anamu extract is taken internally to calm down neurological excitement. It also helps to treat neuronal spasms and paralysis.
Anamu extract has uterine contraction property, which helps in child delivery. This herb is also recommended for menstrual complaints.
Pregnant women should avoid Anamu containing products as it can cause abortion. Apart from this, other Anamu associated side-effects are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, hypotension. Therefore, consumers should avoid driving or operate any heavy machinery after taking Anamu containing products. Individuals should not concurrently consume alcohol. This may increase the intensity of drowsiness.
Anamu has blood thinning property and increase bleeding risk. Individuals having blood disorders like hemophilia should not use this herbal medicine. Even individuals who are taking warfarin should avoid this herbal product, as concurrent administration of these medications increases the intensity of drug action.
Anamu has hypoglycemic property, therefore diabetic patients who are taking anti-diabetic medications should avoid this herbal product to avoid very low blood glucose levels.
The physiological system of every individual differs. Therefore, the intensity of side effects differ. Depending upon the disease condition, the dose may alter.