ANAMU [39-8]
(Petiveria alliacea)
Anamu grows primarily in Peru, Cuba and the south-eastern United States.
It was introduced into this country through the Hispanic community. The
folklore uses for this plant include all of the following. Anamu has been
used as a remedy to expel or destroy parasites.
It has also been used as an analgesic (pain relieving herb) and antiinflammatory
(particularly for arthritis and gastritis).
Native people's have also used the herb to treat blood and vascular diseases.
There are a number of studies which have been done on this plant.
One study published in a Brazilian medical journal showed the plant inhibited
cell division, making it possibly helpful in the treatment of cancer.
Other tests showed it protected mice against the lethal effects of E. coli
bacteria. Rats who were given anamu were protected from the harm- ful effects
of this bacteria.
Other research shows the herb increases thymus gland weight and white blood
cell activity.
In a test group of 14 patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis it was used
as a treatment and shown to have beneficial effects. The circulatory system
benefits from anamu because it reduces clumping of blood platelets.
Anamu lowered blood sugar by 60 percent in the fasted animals, which suggests
it may be helpful for diabetes.
One important caution concerning this
plant. Pregnant women or women planning to become
pregnant should not use this product as research shows that it inhibits
fertilization in rats.
