The alkaloids contained in cinchona bark have a beneficial effect on gastric secretion and are therefore used today mainly as a means of stimulating appetite and for digestive disorders.
Quinine also has an effect on the metabolism as well as the DNA of various parasites, including the causative agent of malaria. Because of this effect, quinine used to be used as the main drug in the treatment of malaria.
Quinine bark tree: side effects
Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin allergies and fever may occur when quinine is taken. Also, in rare cases, there is a decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) and subsequently an increased tendency to bleed. In these cases, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Long-term or overdosed use of cinchona bark may lead to so-called “cinchonism”, which may manifest itself in the occurrence of headaches, skin rashes, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears or stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Interactions with cinchona bark
Simultaneous administration with cinchona bark may result in enhancement of the effect of anticoagulant drugs.
