Calumba has different names like- Jateorhiza calumba, Calumbo Root, jateorhiza, Kalamba,  Jateorhiza miersii, etc.

Habitat

Generally, this plant is indigenous to the tropical areas of Southern and Eastern Africa. Now, they discovered and cultivated in several tropical regions of the world, like Brazil. This plant’s genus is Jateorhiza, and the Family is Menispermaceae.

 

Description

The Jateorhiza calumba is a tropical climbing vine that creates huge tuberous and fleshy roots. The plant family has two species. They are local to the Madagascar rainforest. The plant is slender, long, and has a dioeciously twining permanent vine. They sometimes reach the tops of trees. The tuberous root is big and fleshy, with thick bark, approximately 1.2 to 3.1 inches (3 to 8 cm) in diameter.  The flowers are petty and greenish-white.

Harvest

After selecting the mature plants, the Jateorhiza calumba roots are lifted in the dry weather in springtime and dried for later use in the forms of powders, tinctures, concentrated infusions, and liquid extracts.

Part used

Plant rhizomes or roots are used for medicinal purposes.

 

Traditional Uses and benefits

The root of calumba is used in traditional medicine practices2. It’s used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, nausea, gastronomic, stomachic, dyspepsia, antiseptic, etc.

 

  1. The chemical compound from calumba root named columbin is capable of preventing colon cancer stating. If consumed during the beginning phase of colon cancer, it exhibits the chemopreventive capacity of dietary columbin on chemically caused colon tumorigenesis.

 

  1. The root blends with Zingiber officinale and Senna alexandrina for additional medicinal actions.

 

  1. The root is additionally used for treating dyspepsia, diarrhea, colitis, and gastritis in some countries.

 

  1. Colombo can assist in loosening the muscles in the intestinal region. It may similarly enhance the amount of acid discharged into the stomach.

 

  1. This very bitter and mucilaginous herb has anti-fungal effects.

 

  1. There is insufficient proof for treating heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea, and intestinal disorders.

 

Chemicals Compounds

The Jateorhiza calumba root comprises different chemical compounds like- 2 to 3% cumulative alkaloids, furanoditerpenoid lactones, and chiefly protoberberines. That is why the root has a very bitter taste. Some of these alkaloids also have a narcotic influence comparable to morphine. Other chemical compounds are- starch, alkaloids, chasmanthin, bisjatrorrhizine,  columbamine, columbin-2,3-epoxide, columbin, EO, columbinyl-glucoside, cryptogenin, diosgenin,  isojateorinyl-glucoside, jateorinyl-glucoside,  jateorine, jateorrhizine, palmarin, palmatine, and mucilage.

 

Dosage and Precautions

The Dried root or rhizome is used as medicine.

For Infusion: 1 cup 3 times every-day.

FOr Tincture: 1 to 2ml twice regularly.

Note:

The dose is based on the subject’s sex, age, and different medical parameters. Always consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using this.

 

Warning

Consuming large amounts of Jateorhiza calumba may cause stomach pain and vomiting. An overdose of calumba can lead to unconsciousness and paralysis. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, a pharmacist’s suggestion is needed if one wants to administer calumba root. It also has a drug interaction nature3. Antacids are applied to decrease stomach acid. The Jateorhiza Colombo may develop stomach acid. Therefore, by raising stomach acid, calumba might reduce the efficiency of antacids.

 

DISCLAIMER

The content and information on newerapost are for information and educational purposes only.  A guide to self-diagnosis and self-treatment is not intended and should not be used as a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers are urged to consult a physician. The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition. Do not take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements without consulting your doctor if you are taking any medication. The website does not make a representation, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information and does not accept any single responsibility for any errors or misuse.

 

Reference

  1. Traditional medicine practices: Retrieved from the rain-tree.com website.

https://rain-tree.com/calumba.htm

  1. Traditional medicine practices: Retrieved from the prcupcc.com website.

https://www.prcupcc.com/herbs/herbsc/calumba.htm

  1. Drug interaction nature: Retrieved from the rxlist.com website.

https://www.rxlist.com/colombo/supplements.htm