Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina/Piscidia piscipula) is best known
as a traditional remedy for treating neuralgia (burning or stabbing pain along
the course of a nerve), migraine, insomnia, and nervous tension. As early as
1844, Western scientists discovered that Jamaica dogwood had narcotic,
analgesic, and sweat-promoting properties. Recent scientific studies have helped
substantiate early findings, demonstrating that bark extracts of this plant
produce sedative and narcotic effects in animals.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Jamaica dogwood has been a valuable source
of charcoal and wood for building boats, and has been used in fish poisons.
Plant Description
Jamaica dogwood is indigenous to Central America, Florida, and the West
Indies, and can now also be found in Texas, Mexico, and the northern part of
South America. The plant's characteristic pods bear four projecting longitudinal
wings. The bark is yellow or grayish brown on the outer surface, and lighter
colored or white on the inner surface. The Jamaica dogwood's distinctly acrid
and bitter taste causes a burning sensation in the mouth, and the bark gives off
an unpleasant odor.
Parts Used
The dried root bark and stem bark are used medicinally to treat a variety of
ailments.
Medicinal Uses/Indications
Jamaica dogwood is used to treat the following conditions.
- Neuralgia
- Nervous debility
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Violent toothache
- Whooping cough
It is also used for these qualities: analgesic, cardiotonic (helps the heart
muscle work better), diuretic (promotes excretion of salts and water from the
kidney), hypnotic, antispasmodic, and for dilating the pupil of the eye.
Available Forms
The Jamaica dogwood root bark is sold in pieces about one to two inches in
length and 1/8 inch in thickness. There is considerable variation in the
chemical constituents of Jamaica dogwood from different geographic regions, so
it is important to make sure that it contains a maximum quantity of all active
ingredients, including jamaicin and lisetin. Jamaica dogwood is also available
in liquid extract and tincture forms.
How to Take It
The following are recommended doses.
- Dried root bark: 1 to 4 g (or equivalent in decoction) three times
daily
- Fluid extract: (1:1 in 30% alcohol) 1 to 2 ml three times daily; or 2 to 8
ml per day (1:1, 60% ethanol)
- Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol): 5 to 30 drops (1 to 2 ml) three times a
day
Precautions
Although Jamaica dogwood is an effective herbal remedy, it has potentially
adverse side effects, such as gastric distress and nausea, as well as
depression. It should be administered only by trained and qualified health care
providers who understand the pharmacology, toxicology, and proper herbal
preparation of this plant. Under no circumstances should this plant be used
during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Possible Interactions
No harmful drug interactions have been reported.
Supporting Research
Arvigo R, Balick M. Rainforest Remedies: One Hundred Healing Herbs
of Belize. Twin Lakes, Wis: Lotus Press; 1993:97.
Aurousseau M, et al. Certain pharmacodynamic properties of Piscidia
erythrina. Ann Pharm Fr. 23:251-257.
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 4th ed. Great Britain: Biddles Ltd,
Guildford and King's Lynn; 1996:139-141.
Caceres A, Lopez BR, Giron MA, Logemann H. Plants used in Guatemala for the
treatment of dermatophytic infections. 1. Screening for antimycotic activity of
44 plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991;51(5):263-276.
Costello CH, Butler CL. An investigation of Piscidia erythrina
(Jamaica dogwood). J Am Pharm Assoc. 1948;37:89-96.
Della Loggia, R, Tubaro A, Redaelli C. Evaluation of the activity on the
mouse CNS of several plant extracts and a combination of them. J
Ethnopharmacol. 1991;31:263-276.
Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
WB. Saunders; 1974.
Duke JA. Phytochemical Database, USDA–ARS–NGRL, Beltsville Agricultural
Research Center, Md. Available at www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke
Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. I. New York, NY: Dover;
1971:261-262.
Mabberley DJ. The Plant-Book: A Portable Dictionary of the Higher
Plants. England: Cambridge University Press; 1987: 457.
N/A
Newall C, Anderson L; Phillipson J. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for
Health-care Professionals. London, England: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:
174-175.
Pilcher JD, et al. The action of the so-called female remedies on the excised
uterus of the guinea-pig. Arch Int Med. 1916;18:557-583.
Pilcher JD, Mauer RT. The action of female remedies on the intact uteri of
animals. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1918;97-99.
Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine
Communications
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