simarouba glauca
(Paradise Tree – Dysetery-bark – Bitterwood/Lakshmi Taru – Jamaica Bark/Orinoco Simaruba Oil)
Wood Use
- Terrace
- Cladding
- Gardens
- Wood Boxes / Packaging
- Decorative Wood Sheets
- Particle / Fiber boards
- Furniture / Cabinetry
- Decorative Carpentry
- Marquetry
- Match sticks
- Musical Instruments
- Plywood
- Turnings
Pharmaceutical Use
Though there is some research claiming that Simarouba is effective for treating certain diseases, there seems to be insufficient evidence of curing diarrhea, malaria, edema, fever and stomach upset. Known in India as Lakshmi Taru, the extracts from parts of the tree have been claimed to possess potent anticancer properties. However, to date, no systematic research using phytochemicals isolated from Simarouba glauca has been carried out to explore the molecular mechanisms leading to cancer cell death. Simarouba extracts are known to be effective only on specific types of human cancer cell lines and tests conducted were invitro. Whether the same effect would be observed under invivo conditions, depends on bioavailability and bioaccessibility, hence Simarouba as an alternative cure for cancer remains unproven. * leaves and bark have a long history of medicinal use in the tropics, particularly in the treatment of malaria, fevers and dysentery; as an astringent to stop bleeding; and as a tonic. used as a digestive, emmenagogue and to treat parasites both within and on the body, The main active compounds are a group of triterpenes called quassinoids. The antiprotozoal and antimalarial properties of these chemicals have been documented for many years. Several of the quassinoids found in simarouba, such as ailanthinone, glaucarubinone, and holacanthone, are considered the plant’s main therapeutic constituents and are the ones documented to be antiprotozoal, anti-amoebic, antimalarial, and even toxic to cancer and leukaemia cells. Studies have shown that the plant is over 90% effective against amoebic dysentery. bark has good antiviral properties, effective against herpes, influenza, polio, and vaccinia viruses. Also been shown to possess active cancer-killing properties.
