Cinchona (Cinchona officinalis) from Peru, shredded bark

Cinchona, or botanically Cinchona officinalis, is a South American tree from the Rubiaceae family. It is native to humid mountainous forests in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, between 1600-2700 meters above sea level.

Cinchona is a medicinal plant, one of several species of Cinchona used to make quinine, an antipyretic. It is particularly useful in the prevention and treatment of malaria. Other alkaloids obtained from this tree include cinchonine, cinchonidine, and quinidine.

Uses

Cinchona is used in traditional Peruvian medicine to increase appetite; further to support the release of digestive juices; to treat bloating, fullness and other stomach problems. It is also used for blood vessel disorders including hemorrhoids, varicose veins and leg cramps. Some people use cinchona for mild flu, colds, malaria and fever. Other uses are treatment of cancer, diseases of the mouth and throat, enlarged spleen and muscle spasms.

Cinchona is also sometimes used to relieve pain, kill germs and as an astringent. Cinchona extract is also applied to the skin for hemorrhoids, ulcers, stimulates hair growth and treats varicose veins.

In food, cinchona is used as a bitter flavour in tonic water and alcoholic beverages.

Country of origin

Peru