A bark with historical and medicinal properties

Used since the ^17th century to treat fevers, particularly malaria, red cinchona bark has played a major role in the history of medicine. It is also used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and digestion. Due to the presence of quinine, its use is strictly regulated.

Description

Dried bark, cut into irregular fragments of 1 to 3 cm, reddish-brown in color, with a characteristic odor and a pronounced bitter flavor.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Red cinchona
• Latin name: Cinchona succirubra
• Family: Rubiaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Shape: Cut (professional bulk)
• Origin: South America (Peru, Ecuador)
• English name: Red cinchona bark
• Name in German: Rote Chinarinde
• Name in Spanish: Corteza de quinina roja
• Name in Italian: Corteccia di china rossa
• Name in Arabic: لحاء الكينا الأحمر

Main virtues

Febrifuge, bitter tonic, digestive stimulant, antimalarial (historical use).

Main constituents

Quinoline alkaloids: quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, cinchonidine; tannins; phenolic compounds.

Professional use and dosage

• Decoction (traditional use): 1 to 2 g of bark per 200 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes, consume before meals. For use by healthcare professionals only.
• Mother tincture: Prepared according to pharmacopoeial standards, based on 65% V/V alcohol, with a total alkaloid content of between 0.30% and 0.65% m/m.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to quinine.
• May cause side effects such as digestive disturbances, tinnitus or allergic reactions.
• Not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
• Strict adherence to recommended dosages to avoid the risk of cinchonism.

History and traditional use

Discovered by the Andean peoples, red cinchona was introduced to Europe in the ^17th century to treat fevers. Its bark was widely used to extract quinine, a major active ingredient in the treatment of malaria. Today, although replaced by synthetic drugs, it remains of historical interest and is used in certain pharmaceutical preparations and aperitifs.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: professional bulk in kraft bag or sealed box.
• Storage: away from humidity, light and heat.
• Shelf life: 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 1211.90.86.00

Sources and references

• French Pharmacopoeia – Monograph "Cinchona bark" (0174)
• ANSM – Cinchona bark FHP / China rubra PPH
• Wikiphyto – Red Quinquina
• Pl@ntUse – Cinchona succirubra

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

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