Ratanhia is a medicinal plant native to the Andes, it represents the only specimen within the plant family, this is considered a botanical rarity. Krameria triandra, the correct botanical name, is universally known in its native Peru, but is rather unknown in Europe.
Occurrence and cultivation of ratanhia
The shrub can reach a length of up to one meter and has a strong, resistant root system. Ratanhia is the only plant specimen from the Krameria family. The shrub can reach a length of up to one meter and has a strong, resistant root system. The structure of the root always consists of a main root about ten centimeters long, from which many small branching secondary roots. The short stem of the ratanhia always arises from the main root, and the stem forms branches up to one meter long. Typical thick, small and alternate leaves attach to these branches. The leaves of Ratanhia shrub reach a maximum length of one centimeter. The shape of the leaves is monotonous-elongated, the edge is smooth and towards the end of the leaf it closes with a spiky tip. The small flowers of the Ratanhia shrub stand as terminal racemes, but can reach a larger diameter than the leaves. The flowers each have four drooping, purple petals and house the bristly-haired ovary and three stamens inside. The red-black fruits of the Ratanhia shrub, also called nuts, emerge after the flowering period and are recognizable by their typically spiny bristles. The natural distribution area of the Ratanhia shrub is the Peruvian Andes.
Effect and application
Inca writings indicate that ratanhia root was the most widely used remedy for problems with the teeth or gums. Even at the time of the Incas, a dried powder was made from the root of ratanhia for healing purposes. Especially mouthwashes, which are used in the countries of South America, still contain high-quality extracts from the ratanhia plant. However, the concentration of the ingredients varies from mouthwash to mouthwash. In addition, many isolated active ingredients from the ratanhia plant are also found in toothpastes and toothpastes. Many German manufacturers of toothpaste or mouthwash also use extracts from the ratanhia root as an ingredient in varying concentrations. Whether ratanhia is included in a dental care product or not can be easily seen from the list of ingredients required by law. Ratanhia is said to not only strengthen teeth, but also make them whiter when used regularly. In addition to these significant protective properties for gums and teeth, ratanhia also has a mild laxative effect. Especially in Chile, Bolivia and Peru, ratanhia is therefore also popular and appreciated as a laxative. However, there are contradictory statements in this context, because other sources speak of a rather constipating effect of ratanhia. The medicinal plant Ratanhia first came to Germany in 1819, the first documented mention was only a little later in 1927 in the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, where Ratanhia was explicitly listed as a medicinal plant. The Western world owes the discovery of the Ratanhia shrub to the Spanish botanist Ruiz López, who first found the plant in the Peruvian capital Lima. Loved and valued as a tooth preservative by the indigenous people, the plant was also studied at the time by Spanish physicians for its healing properties. In addition to its purely medicinal uses, the decoction of ratanhia can also be used to color wine due to its deep blue-red brew. However, attempts to use the Ratanhia decoction to dye textiles as well were not pursued further.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
Ratanhia root even today has a high value and importance for health, prevention and treatment especially for problems with teeth and gums. Proven ratanhia extract can be used for inflammation of the mouth and throat, and also for sore throat with great healing success. These applications for mild to moderate inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa have also been confirmed by Commission E of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.To carry out treatment of the oral mucosa, it is necessary to rinse or gargle with the freshly prepared and cooled decoction several times a day. It should be noted that for a medicinal use neither flowers nor leaves, but only the root system with the main root and the secondary roots, are used. The European umbrella organization of national societies for phytotherapy, ESCOP, also expressly recommends its use for medicinal purposes in the oral cavity. Ratanhia root contains bioactive substances responsible for an anti-inflammatory effect. These include, for example, valuable tannins, especially catechins, as well as neolignans as further so-called secondary plant substances. Full efficacy can be expected when only total plant extracts are used. If a medicinal or pharmaceutical product contains ratanhia extract, the contents are usually stated using the Latin root name Radix Ratanhiae. In order for the plant to be used in pharmaceutical products, certain quality requirements must be met, at least in Germany. These are laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia, PhEur. The manufacturers of toothpastes or mouth rinses are bound by the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia. Regular use of toothpastes or mouthwashes containing ratanhia extract in sufficiently high concentrations can effectively prevent gingivitis.
