Currently Iporuru is gaining popularity among athletes and North American health practitioners due to the properties of Iporuru which provide support of muscle and joint structure.⁽⁹⁾ Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents have also begun to make it popular for those suffering with arthritis and other joint problems. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, a study in Argentina found that an extract of Iporuru was antibacterial and effective against penicillin G resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger.⁽¹⁰⁾ The anti-inflammatory properties of Iporuru are attributed to a group of alkaloids including Alchorneine, which are found in the bark of Iporuru as well as several other related species of Alchornea.⁽¹¹⁾

Currently, in Peruvian herbal medicine, Iporuru is widely used to treat impotency and for reducing sugar in the blood and urine in diabetics. One cup of dried leaves is infused in ½ liter of water for one day and 2-3 doses (of ½ cup) is drunk daily for impotency.⁽¹²⁾ For diabetes, one-half of cup of dried leaves is infused 1 liter of water and 1 cup is drunk after each meal.⁽¹²⁾

1 "The bark of the Iporuru shrub is truly a treasure of the Amazon. It has been found to be very effective in cases of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, this herb can only be harvested during the dry season in the Amazon for two reasons. First, during the rainy season, the shrubs are too far underwater and second, the active ingredients are present in the bark only in the dry season." 2 Iporuru is used by the indigenous peoples of Peru for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis. It helps to increase flexibility in movement and range of motion." 10 "Alchornea castaneifolia (Willd.) Juss. Euphorbiaceae. "Iporoni", "lporuro", "Ipururo", "Ipurosa", "Macochihua". Alcoholic bark maceration used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, colds, and muscle pains after a long fishing day. The "Candochi-Shapra" and the "Shipibos" used the bark and roots to treat rheumatism. Iquitos herbalists recommend it for rheumatism (RVM). Pucallpa citizens take the leaf decoction orally for cough and rheumatism (VDF). "Tikunas" take one tablespoon bark decoction before meals for diarrhea (SAR). Around Piura, the leaves are used to increase fertility of females where the male is relatively impotent (FEO). Rutter stresses that it is an aphrodisiac and geriatric for males (RAR). Sometimes found in the famous "Rompe Calzon" aphrodisiac." 11 "The primary Amazon herbs used for their synergistic effects during athletic training and recovery include the following: Catuaba and Marapuama as strong tonics and nervous system fortifiers; Marapuama also for its anti-rheumatic properties; Sarsaparilla to increase circulation, clear toxins and stimulate metabolism; Iporuru for support of muscle and joint structure; Samambaia for detoxification of waste products and anti-rheumatic properties; Una de gato for antioxidant properties; Tayuya to remove lactic acid accumulations; and Suma for anabolic (muscle-building) effects. (See Table 1) 21 "Alchornea Swartz
There are 70 species of this pantropical genus. They are shrubs to medium-sized trees. The insect antifeedants of A. triplinervia have been studied (Hankinson, 1982); alkaloids have been found in A. floribunda (Khuong-Huu, 1972); the structure of the alkaloid alchomeine has been established (Cesario, 1970).
Alchornea castanaefolia (Willd.) jussieu, Tent. Euph. (1824) 42. pajaro arbol (Col.)
G 202; SB 8439
Amongst the Tikunas, a decoction of the bark, in one-tablespoon doses before meals, is considered to be a treatment for diarrhea. The crushed leaves are also rubbed on painful joints for relief. In Venezuela, a species of Alchornea is used in the form of cataplasm for wounds inflicted by the sting ray.

2 "Jatoba helps to decongest the urinary tract and can be excellent for cystitis, and bladder and prostate infections. It has been used as a system energizer, fortifier and decongestant. It has been used for treating respiratory problems." 3 "ACTIONS: Decongests urinary tract, Enhances treatment of cystitis and prostatitis, Anti-inflammatory to bladder, System fortifier. TRADITIONAL USE: Jatoba is highly regarded as a natural energy tonic. Besides being an energizer and tonic, Jatoba is used for cystitis, prostatitis and diseases of the bladder. It has been used for treating respiratory problems. It is a decongestant and fortifier for the system. MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: Reduces damp heat in Lower Burner, Disperses blood stagnation, Reduces inflammation, Clears toxic pus, Painful urination / dribbling, Pain in testicles or prostate EAV POINTS: Bladder, Bladder 65, Triple Warmer. CAUTION: If condition persists, or in case of pain or high fever, consult your health care practitioner." "Brazilian uses and Folklore: Jatoba tea is a natural tonic for the organism. According to Dr. J. Monteiro Silva, whoever drinks Jatoba tea feels". . . strong and vigorous, with a good appetite, always ready to work". Lumberjacks who work in the forests of Brazil generally take a jar of Jatoba tea or extract with them to drink during the day: it gives them energy. Besides being an energizer and tonic, Jatoba has also given very good results in cases of acute and chronic cystitis and prostatitis. When mixed with a little honey it is influential in treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis, chronic coughs and asthma. The resin of the tree is employed externally as an ointment to relieve aches and pains.Uses: For symptoms of cystitis, prostatitis, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic coughs. Tonic and energizer. Used in homeopathy as a mother tincture.
* Livro verde, p. 547." 10 "Hymenaea courbaril L. Fabaceae. "Algarrobo", "Azucar huayo". Brazilians drink the sap for cough (BDS). Reportedly useful for cystitis, hepatitis, prostatitis, and tuberculosis (RAR). Bark tea used for athlete's foot or foot fungus (BDS). "Karaja", like "Creoles" take macerated bark for diarrhea (RVM, MJP). Resin in old stumps used for tinder (MJP)." "Hymenaea coubaril
Large tree of the old fallow
SFS01: Secondary food source: fruit/seed edible
HHI22: Household Items: pottery slip from resin
HHI31 Household items: trunk of tree used as trough or receptacle for processing manioc meal
FUE01: Fuel Sources: good firewood
FUE03: Fuel Sources: resin/latex used for incandescense
MED10: Medicinal uses: vermifuge
MED24: Medicinal uses: applied to wounded or sore eyes
MED34: Medicinal uses: taken orally to stop excessive menstrual discharge" 21 "LEGUMINOSAE
Hymenaea Linnaeus
Hymenaea has two dozen species of tall unarmed, resiniferous trees distributed in tropical parts of South America, Mexico and Cuba; the centre of speciation lies in the Amazon. Some yield excellent varnish resins. One, H. courbaril, has a yellowish or orange-colored resinous gum, collected in lumps at the base of the tree or by wounding the bark; it is employed as incense in churches and in the manufacture of varnishes. Terpenes and phenolics are responsible for the inhibition of growth of leaf fungus on these plants. (Arrhenius, 1983).
REFERENCES:
Arrhenius, S. P., C. E. Foster et al., Phytochemistry 22 (1983) 471."