Quinine Tree (Cinchona officinalis)

Quinine Tree (Cinchona officinalis) is a member of the Rubiaceae family, native to South America, Madagascar, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and fruits have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, bitter, and stimulant actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Quinine Tree (Cinchona officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Quinine Tree (Cinchona officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Quinine Tree
Scientific Name	Cinchona officinalis
Plant Family	Rubiaceae
Genus	Cinchona
Species	officinalis
Native Range	South America, Madagascar, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Fruits
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Bitter, Stimulant
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cinchona officinalis
Common Name: Quinine Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cinchona, Peruvian Bark, Cinchona Tree
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Cinchona

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Lateral leaves are broadly ovate with a glossy dark green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent midribs and a single stomatal band on the lower surface.
Flowers: Inflorescences are clustered, flowers are zygomorphic, petals are five, with two lips, the upper lip two-lobed and the lower lip three-lobed, stamen number is four, with two long filaments, flower color is predominantly white with yellow stamens.
Stems: Elongated, upright growth habit, opposite branching pattern, glabrous surface, presence of swollen nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a calming tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a mild bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Stimulant: Historically regarded as a cooling stimulant, in energy-related contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a soothing anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Organic compounds biosynthesized by plants as part of secondary metabolism.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: The use of this herb alongside pharmaceutical medications may result in potential interactions.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Extract: Plant compounds are extracted using water, glycerin, or other solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.