Gonolobus condurango – cut bark

Harvested from climbing vines growing in the Andes, condurango bark is dried and cut for use in decoctions. It has long been part of traditional Latin American pharmacopoeias.

Description

Pieces of stiff, light to dark brown bark with a woody odor and a very bitter taste.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Condurango, Andean bark
• Latin name: Gonolobus condurango
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: South America (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia)
• English name: Condurango bark
• German name: Condurangorinde
• Name in Spanish: Corteza de condurango
• Name in Italian: Corteccia di condurango
• Name in Arabic: لحاء الكوندورانغو (Laḥā' al-Kundūrānjū)

Main virtues

Traditionally considered a bitter tonic, condurango bark is used in South American pharmacopoeias to stimulate natural functions. It is also mentioned in ancient European herbal writings.

Main constituents

Alkaloids, tannins, resins, bitter glycosides.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon for 250 ml of water, bring to a boil then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Restricted Use: Use under professional supervision only.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not use without the advice of a qualified professional.
• Plant for restricted use according to the decree relating to medicinal plants.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.

History and origin

Used for generations by the Andean peoples, condurango bark was introduced to Europe in the 19th century as a medicinal plant. It was the subject of numerous studies in ancient works on natural medicine.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag or airtight box.
• Storage: away from light, in a dry place.
• Appearance: pieces of fibrous, hard bark.
• Odor: woody, slightly resinous.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional South American Pharmacopoeias
• Ancient European herbalism
• French decree on medicinal plants – Légifrance

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