Iporuru

Botanical Name:
Alchornea species

Other Common Names:
Iporuru, iporoni, iporuro, ipururo, ipurosa, macochihua, niando, pajaro

Parts Used:
Leaves, bark, roots

Iporuru:
Iporuru is a shrubby tree with light-brown bark and violet flowers that reaches 8–10 m tall. It grows extensively in the lower elevations and flood plains of the Amazon River system in Peru, and is indigenous to the moist, tropical areas in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela. Iporuru can be harvested only in the Amazon’s dry season; it spends the rainy season underwater. The locals believe that the active medicinal properties found in the bark are present only during the dry season. Iporuru belongs to the large Euphorbiaceae family, which contains about 5,000 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs.

Iporuru is a shrub native to the Amazon and parts of Africa. It grows on low-lying plains that become swamps during the rainy season. It is harvested only during the dry season, when its medically active constituents are present. The bark is used in herbal medicine. Iporuru remedies and products are sold in local markets and herbal pharmacies in Peru.

Iporuru is useful:
Iporuru helps to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis and other joint problems, and is gaining recognition among athletes and health-care practitioners for its ability to support muscle and joint structure. One study in Argentina found that an extract of iporuru had antibacterial effects and was effective against penicillin-G-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger.

Iporuru bark steeped in aguardiente (rum) is a traditional South American remedy for arthritis, colds, and muscle pains after a long day of fishing or hunting. In Peru, health-care practitioners prescribe iporuru to treat rheumatism and impotence, and to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. Indigenous peoples of Peru use it to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Benefits of iporuru for specific health conditions include the following:

Gout. Iporuru alleviates acute inflammation. This action is attributable to high concentrations of flavonoids that stop inflammatory reactions at the cellular level. The flavonoids also relax skeletal muscles.
Impotence and infertility. Iporuru is a unique traditional treatment for infertility in men in that it is taken by the woman rather than by the man. A plausible explanation for this effect is that the herb increases the receptivity of the cervix to sperm cells. French scientists have proposed that men taking iporuru would have stronger erections, greater penetration, and more viable sperm through the action of yohimbine, a compound found in both iporuru and yohimbe.


Contact Us Shipping & Return Policy	Shopping Basket Shop by Store Shop by Brand	About Us Privacy Policy Resources

© Copyright 2005 - 2012 PillPod.com
Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should carefully read all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your medical professional. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images.