What to know about Cinchona calisaya (jesuit's bark) before using it medicinally

Cinchona calisaya, commonly known as Jesuit's bark, is a highly valued herb renowned for its extraordinary health benefits, particularly in reducing fever and treating malaria, which have made it a trusted companion for many for centuries.

As a tropical plant, Cinchona calisaya thrives in high-altitude regions and requires a humid climate with plenty of rainfall, making it a challenging but rewarding crop for growers to cultivate. Botanically, Cinchona calisaya belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is characterized by its large, elliptical leaves and vibrant green color.

The herb's historical significance can be traced back to the 17th century, when Spanish and Portuguese missionaries first introduced it to the West, leading to its widespread adoption as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Cinchona calisaya.

What are the medicinal properties of Cinchona calisaya?

Cinchona calisaya, also known as Jesuit's bark, helps with reducing fever and inflammation due to its antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It has been used to treat malaria, rheumatism, and other conditions characterized by pain and swelling.

The active constituents of Cinchona calisaya include alkaloids such as quinine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine, which are responsible for its medicinal properties. These alkaloids have a strong antimalarial effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

The bark of Cinchona calisaya is the most commonly used part for medicinal purposes. It can be obtained from the tree through a process of tapping, where a notch is cut into the bark to allow the latex to flow out.

When used improperly, Cinchona calisaya can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. Prolonged use of the plant can also lead to cinchonism, a condition characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, and vision problems.

To use Cinchona calisaya safely, precautions should be taken to avoid side effects. Dosing should be done under medical supervision, and the plant should be used in combination with other antimalarial medications to avoid toxicity. Pregnant women and children should not use Cinchona calisaya without consulting a healthcare professional.

What are the horticulural aspects of Cinchona calisaya?

Cinchona calisaya, also known as Jesuit's bark, grow best in subtropical regions with high altitudes, tolerating temperatures between 15°C to 25°C. It requires well-draining acidic soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Moderate humidity and filtered sunlight are ideal conditions for this plant.

For optimal growth, plant Cinchona calisaya in shaded areas with regular watering, but ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged. Fertilize with an acidic fertilizer (pH 4.0-5.0) every 2-3 months during the growing season. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Cinchona calisaya bark is ready for harvesting when it turns dark red to yellow, and the bark is 1-2 cm in thickness. Harvesting usually occurs between 3-5 years after planting, and the plant is left to continue growing. Harvesting can be done manually by skilled labor, with care to avoid damaging the remaining bark.

Pests commonly affecting Cinchona calisaya include scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. Leaf spot diseases like Cercospora, Colletotrichum, and Phyllosticta are prevalent, as well as root rot caused by Phytophthora and Pythium. Regular monitoring and maintenance help mitigate these issues.

What are the botanical aspects of Cinchona calisaya?

Cinchona calisaya, also known as Jesuit's bark, is a deciduous tree that grows up to 15 meters in height, with a broad, rounded crown and a straight, smooth trunk. The bark is smooth and reddish-brown, exfoliating in large plates.

Cinchona calisaya belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is classified as a member of the genus Cinchona. It is a close relative of Cinchona officinalis and Cinchona succirubra, and is often confused with other species in the same genus. The genus Cinchona is further divided into several sections based on morphological characteristics.

There are several variants of Cinchona calisaya, including C. calisaya var. calisaya, C. calisaya var. robusta, and C. calisaya var. latifolia. These variants differ in their leaf shape, size, and pubescence, as well as their bark texture and color.

Cinchona calisaya is native to the Andes mountains in South America, specifically in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. It is a subtropical plant that thrives in high-altitude regions with cool temperatures and high humidity.

The life cycle of Cinchona calisaya involves a period of dormancy during the dry season, followed by rapid growth and flowering during the wet season. The plant flowers in the spring and produces small, yellow flowers that are arranged in axillary clusters. The fruits are red or yellow drupes that contain several seeds each.

What are the historical aspects of Cinchona calisaya?

Cinchona calisaya is a plant with a long history of use in medicine. Native South Americans used the bark to treat fever and malaria for centuries. In the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries introduced the plant to Europe, where it became a prized remedy.

In Inca mythology, the plant was said to have been created by the goddess Pachamama to cure diseases. According to legend, the Inca emperor Pachacuti was cured of a severe fever by a medicine made from the plant's bark. The Incas revered the plant as a sacred remedy.

The Jesuit's bark has been imbued with symbolic meanings across cultures. In Catholic tradition, the plant was seen as a symbol of salvation, while in Native American cultures, it represented the healing power of nature. The plant's bark was also used in rituals and ceremonies to purify and cleanse.

In historical texts, the Jesuit's bark was described as a "miracle cure" by Spanish conquistador and physician, Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros. The plant's medicinal properties were extensively studied by European physicians, including the famous Paracelsus. The bark was used to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, and even snakebites.

Archaeological artifacts have revealed the significance of the Jesuit's bark in ancient cultures. Excavations at Inca sites have uncovered ceramic vessels containing the plant's bark, while European museums house artifacts related to the plant's introduction and use in medicine. The study of these artifacts has provided valuable insights into the historical use and significance of the plant.