Rainforest Plants - Ayapana

Rainforest Plants - Ayapana

Family: Asteraceae Taxon: Ayapana triplinervis

Synonyms: Eupatorium ayapana, Eupatorium triplinerve

Common names: aypana, aiapana, aiapaina, aipana, cagueña, curia, daun panahan, daun perasman, diapalma iapana, diarana-guaco, japana, japana-branca, sekrepatoe wiwir, pool root, white snakeroot, yapana

General Description: Ayapana is a small ornamental herb with aromatic leaves with interesting medicinal properties. It is a member of a genus with more than 14 species. They are all tropical and perennial herbs and cousins ​​of the genus Eupatorium, with which they are sometimes confused. They all belong to the large plant family Asteraceae, which includes sunflowers and daisies. The Amazon rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Guyana are home to these plants. Ayapana is planted in other areas for medicinal purposes.

Uses: It is believed in the research community that Ayapana may have properties that inhibit tumor growth (antineoplastic); This herb is used to treat malignant tumors in Peru and Argentina. Other Amazonian medicinal uses for this herb include angina, stomach ulcers, cholera, eye and ear problems. Healers in Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana use this herb to reduce fever, fight infection, and as a digestive aid.

This herb has been used medicinally for many years. The American Journal of Pharmacy printed information about this plant as early as 1887: “The leaves are recommended for indigestion, chest troubles, and cholera, and were used for similar purposes in Europe at the beginning of the present century.”

Ayapana is also used in alternative herbal medicine outside the Amazon rainforest. Ayapana extract is used in the cosmetic industry to protect and revitalize the skin. However, part of the problem with using this herb lies in the fact that few clinical studies exist documenting its medicinal properties. Laboratory tests, chemical analyses, and toxicity studies on Ayapana triplinervis have not been reported. Clinical research needs to be conducted on the potential value of this herb in medical science.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any reference to medical use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.