Brazilwood (Caesalpinia brasiliensis and related species).Plant Part Used: Wood.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The wood is traditionally prepared as a cold infusion and taken orally for diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney infections, women’s health conditions, menstrual disorders, poor circulation, uterine fibroids and cysts.Safety: No studies on the safety of this plant in humans have been identified in the available literature. However, a related species has shown relatively low toxicity in animal studies.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following activities have been reported in Caesalpinia species related to Brasil and may not reflect the bioactivity of Caesalpinia brasiliensis. In animal studies the seed kernel extract has shown antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity and the leaf extract has shown muscle stimulant activity. In vitro, plant extracts have shown anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and inhibition of nitric oxide formation, serine proteinase and xanthine oxidase effects.* See entry for Brasil in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
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