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CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA L. - ABUTA 
SynonymAbuta grandifolia. Common name Abuta, pereira root, barbasco, butua, pareira, velvet leaf, barbasco, butua, ice vine, pareira brava, false pareira, trompetero sacha, bofrusiri, gasing gasing, patacon, bejunco de cerca. Family Menispermaceae (Moonseed family). Overview Abuta is a tropical woody, climbing vine (liana) with long leaves, white flowers and inedible dark, grape sized, 3/4" long, berries. Velvet leaf is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest but also grows abundantly in India. It resembles a ruffled ribbon, winding its way up to the top of the tree. The stem is deeply furrowed, grey, and covered with patches of lichen. The odor of the vine is slightly aromatic. In the Amazon, Abuta is used as an anti-dote for poisonous snakebites; also for Diabetes:, dropsy, gonorrhea, heart problems (irregular heart beat), jaundice, rheumatism, and as an aphrodisiac. The parts that are used are the root, bark and leaves. The principal phytochemicals in velvet leaf are oxo-aporphines, palmatine and isoquinolines. It has antispasmodic action. There are also Ayurvedic applications such as edema, cystitis, kidney inflammation and fever. Suriname's traditional medicine It is used for women's aliments such as menstrual cramps and uterine hemorrhages, pre - and postnatal pain. Abuta has antispasmodic effects; meaning it can help prevent- or lessen muscle contractions, including the muscles of the uterus. It's therefore known as "midwives herb". Pereira root also acts as an antiseptic to the bladder and is therefore employed for the relief of chronic inflammation of the urinary passages. It is also a good diuretic. This plant has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles (such as those in the walls of blood vessels and in the uterus). Therefore using it may lower blood pressure or may cause muscle contraction in the uterus. This plant can best be used as an infusion (medicinal tea). Hardiness USDA zone 9B - 11. Propagation Seeds. Culture Plant in frost free spots. |