Guinea-hen-weed (Petiveria alliacea).Plant Part Used: Leaf, root, stem.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The root is traditionally prepared as a tincture in alcohol and taken orally for arthritis, joint and muscle pain. The leaf and/or root is typically prepared as an infusion and taken orally for nausea and stomach ailments, women’s health conditions (dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, menopausal symptoms, ovarian cysts, labor pains, postpartum recovery, uterine fibroids) and to cleanse the blood. The leaf is also prepared as a poultice and applied topically for skin infections.Safety: No data on the safety of this plant in humans has been identified in the available literature. Animal studies of the leaf have shown relatively low toxicity, and TRAMIL has approved this herb for particular traditional uses.Contraindications: Avoid use during pregnancy, lactation and in children under 12 years of age.Drug Interactions: Concomitant use of this herb with insulin and hypoglycemic drugs may potentiate their effects.Clinical Data: No human clinical trials have been identified in the available literature.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following biological activities have been demonstrated in laboratory and preclinical studies (using in vitro or animal models): analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, chemopreventive, cytotoxic and hypoglycemic.* See entry for Anamú in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
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