Short answer
Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa) is a large Amazonian tree whose bark and roots are traditionally decocted, mainly for rheumatism and as a general tonic. Published research is limited to laboratory work, which found antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and cell-toxic activity in vitro, and there are no human trials, so its popular uses are traditional rather than proven. [1]
Key takeaways
- Traditional use is concentrated on rheumatism, with lesser use for wounds, bronchitis and diarrhea. [1]
- The scientific record is almost entirely chemistry and cell work: triterpenes and agarofuran sesquiterpenes isolated from leaves, roots and bark. [1]
- We found no human trials and no formal safety studies of chuchuhuasi bark, so any benefit or dose claim is unproven.
- Several named compounds are cytotoxic to tumor cells in dishes. That does not make the bark an anticancer remedy. [2]
- 'Chuchuhuasi' is also used for related Maytenus species, which differ in chemistry. Check the botanical name on the label.
Chuchuhuasi has one of the best names in Amazonian herbalism and one of the thinnest research files. That combination is exactly when it pays to slow down and read carefully, so this guide is shorter on claims and longer on honesty than most pages you will find.
We sell chuchuhuasi bark. We love it as a traditional plant. We also think saying 'we do not know yet' is part of respecting it.
What is chuchuhuasi?
Chuchuhuasi is the common name, in Quechua-influenced Amazonian Spanish, for trees of the genus Maytenus in the bittersweet family (Celastraceae). The species most often meant is Maytenus macrocarpa, a tree native to Amazonia that grows to roughly thirty meters in the canopy. Its roots, leaves and bark, alone or combined, are used in traditional medicine. [1]
The name is also applied to close relatives such as Maytenus krukovii and Maytenus laevis, which are not chemically identical. That matters when you read an article or a label: a study on one species does not automatically describe another.
Traditional uses of chuchuhuasi
According to a 2019 review of the ethnobotanical and pharmacological literature, Maytenus macrocarpa is used in traditional medicine mainly to treat rheumatism, and to a lesser extent to heal wounds and to combat bronchitis and diarrhea. [1] The bark is traditionally prepared as a decoction or macerated in spirits, and taken as a general tonic.
You will also see chuchuhuasi described online as an adrenal tonic, an energizer, an aphrodisiac and a rich source of iron. Those descriptions come from herbal tradition and marketing. The studies we found do not test any of them in people.
What research exists on chuchuhuasi?
The 2019 review summarizes what is known: mainly triterpenes and dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenes have been isolated from the plant, and extracts and some pure compounds from leaves, roots and stem bark showed antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities in vitro. The review's stated goal was to attract the attention of chemists and pharmacognosists to a plant that deserves more study. [1]
Cytotoxic compounds
Four new nor-triterpenes called macrocarpins A to D were isolated from the roots. Three of them and a derivative were cytotoxic against four tumor cell lines, with IC50 values between 0.4 and 5.2 micromolar. [2] In plain language: purified compounds killed cultured tumor cells at low concentrations. This is chemistry, not medicine. It does not show that a bark decoction does the same in a body, or that it is safe, and it is not a reason to use chuchuhuasi for any illness.
Antibacterial and antioxidant screening
In an antibacterial screening of nine Peruvian medicinal plants, an ethanol extract of Maytenus macrocarpa was one of the plants tested; the standouts for activity were Phyllanthus amarus and Terminalia catappa. [3] A related species, Maytenus krukovii, showed antimutagenic and antioxidant activity in lab assays but no significant antibacterial properties. [4] These results are species-specific and in vitro.
| Claim you will see | Evidence level | What we found |
|---|---|---|
| Relief of rheumatism and joint pain | Traditional use; lab anti-inflammatory activity | Documented traditional use; in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity; no human trials. [1] |
| Immune support | Not studied in humans | Antibacterial and antiviral activity reported in vitro only. [1] |
| Adrenal, energy or libido tonic | No studies found | Traditional and marketing claims; we found no research testing them. |
| High in iron | No data found | We did not find an analysis showing iron content or absorption. |
| Anticancer | Cell studies only | Isolated compounds cytotoxic to tumor cell lines; not evidence of treatment. [2] |
Safety and who should be careful
We found no published human safety studies and no defined dose for chuchuhuasi bark. That is the most important safety fact. Absence of reports is not proof of safety.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid. A related species, Maytenus ilicifolia, is used in popular medicine as an abortifacient, and a rat study examined its effects on reproduction and embryo-fetal development. That is a different species, but it is a reason for caution with the whole genus. [5]
- Medication and conditions: because nothing is known about interactions, ask your clinician or pharmacist if you take prescription medicine or have a liver or kidney condition.
- Alcohol tinctures: traditional macerations in spirits add alcohol and a much higher, unmeasured dose of extracted compounds. Our bark is sold as a water decoction material.
- Cancer or serious illness: please do not use chuchuhuasi in place of medical care.
How to prepare chuchuhuasi bark
Our label directions: bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 1 heaping tablespoon of chuchuhuasi, reduce to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and drink warm, one hour before or after meals. Like other dense barks, it needs a true decoction, not a short steep. Our tea preparation guide explains the difference.
There is no research-backed dose. We suggest treating it as an occasional traditional tea and keeping amounts modest until more is known.
How to buy chuchuhuasi well
- Botanical name on the label: Maytenus macrocarpa (or the named species), not just 'chuchuhuasi.'
- Whole bark pieces: you can see what you are getting. Avoid unlabeled powders.
- Named origin and harvest practice: large canopy trees are slow-growing. Look for harvesters who take bark selectively.
- No disease claims: avoid any seller that says chuchuhuasi treats arthritis, infertility or cancer.
Ours is wild-harvested bark from the Ecuadorian Amazon, sold whole. View Chuchuhuasi. It is also an ingredient in Zapped In and River of Life.
Chuchuhuasi vs cat's claw
Both are Amazonian barks used traditionally for joint complaints, and many people ask which to choose. They are different plants. Cat's claw has two small randomized trials suggesting a modest effect on joint pain; chuchuhuasi has none. [6] [1] If evidence is your priority, that is the honest difference.
Frequently asked questions
What is chuchuhuasi good for?
Traditionally, rheumatism and as a general tonic, with lesser use for wounds, bronchitis and diarrhea. Research is limited to lab studies, with no human trials. [1]
Does chuchuhuasi really work?
Nobody knows yet. Traditional use is long, but there are no clinical trials. Lab studies found anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities in vitro, which are reasons to study it, not proof it works. [1]
What are the side effects of chuchuhuasi?
No human safety studies exist. Avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and ask a clinician if you take medication or have liver or kidney disease. [5]
How do you make chuchuhuasi tea?
Simmer, do not steep: 2 cups of water to a boil, 1 heaping tablespoon of bark, reduce to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, strain and drink warm.
Is chuchuhuasi an adrenal tonic or aphrodisiac?
That is a traditional and marketing description. We found no studies testing adrenal, energy or libido effects in people.
Is chuchuhuasi the same as Maytenus macrocarpa?
Usually, but the name is also used for related species such as Maytenus krukovii and Maytenus laevis. Check the botanical name on the label.
Is chuchuhuasi the same as cat's claw?
No. They are unrelated Amazonian barks with different chemistry. Cat's claw has small human trials for joint comfort; chuchuhuasi does not. [6]
Where can I buy chuchuhuasi bark in the USA?
Look for whole bark with the botanical name and origin on the label. Kawsaypac sells wild-harvested chuchuhuasi bark from the Ecuadorian Amazon, shipped across the USA: view Chuchuhuasi.
References
- Malaník M, Treml J, Rjašková V, et al. (2019). Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq.: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity. Molecules. PubMed 31226757 · DOI
- Chávez H, Rodríguez G, Estévez-Braun A, et al. (2000). Macrocarpins A-D, new cytotoxic nor-triterpenes from Maytenus macrocarpa. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. PubMed 10782680 · DOI
- Kloucek P, Polesny Z, Svobodova B, et al. (2005). Antibacterial screening of some Peruvian medicinal plants used in Callería District. J Ethnopharmacol. PubMed 15894143 · DOI
- Bruni R, Rossi D, Muzzoli M, et al. (2006). Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii bark. Fitoterapia. PubMed 16963198 · DOI
- Cunha-Laura AL, Auharek SA, Oliveira RJ, et al. (2014). Effects of Maytenus ilicifolia on reproduction and embryo-fetal development in Wistar rats. Genet Mol Res. PubMed 24854657 · DOI
- Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, et al. (2002). Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. PubMed 11950006