Quassia amara L.: A Comprehensive Review of its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicity

Abstract

Quassia amara Linn., is a shrub and world widely known as ‘bitter-wood’ belongs to Simaroubaceae family. The plant grows in sandy soils of lowland & highland forests, wet forests along riverbanks and, is native to Central Mexico to Southern tropical America and Guadalupe. A Surinamese man named Quassia which gained attention for treating fevers with a secret remedy based on this herb in 18th century, which Rolande took to Sweden in 1756 and disseminated its medicinal reputation across Europe. This species consists of various constituents namely β-carbonite, indole alkaloids & primarily, the bitter compounds known as quassinoids. Various studies indicate that Q. amara possess different biological properties namely anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-leishmanial, antimalarial, anti-nociceptive, anti-ulcer, anti-fertility and sedative. Fresh bark, leaves or wood extracts are used to treat digestive problems, malaria and hepatic disorders. In-depth literature analysis revealed that the plant is least explored and possess immense medicinal values. These studies pass the new ways to explore biological potential of this plant.