Cha de Bugre is an interesting ethnobotanical which grows in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is very popular in these regions for its uses as a diet aid and general stimulant. Research on this tree is sparse, but the studies that have been conducted on it show its efficacy as a diuretic, stimulant, heart tonic, and anti-cellulite agent. The tree produces a red fruit which is similar in appearance to the coffee bean and it is used as a coffee substitute in the regions where it grows. It is commonly sold in Rio De Janeiro's beach side stands, pharmacies, and nutrition stores as a weight loss aid.
A Japanese study in the 90’s demonstrated Cha de Bugre’s remarkable effect upon the Herpes virus. In the study it was shown that an extra of Cha de Bugre reduced the virus’ ability to infect healthy cells by over 99% when the cells were pre treated with a leaf extract! Not only has Cha de Bugre been proven to drastically reduce the infiltration of the Herpes virus, but another study demonstrated that it inhibited the growth of cancer cells by 40%! The plant is also utilized for healing external skin wounds thanks to the high allantoin and allantoic acid content of the leaves and branches. Further research suggests that Cha De Bugre is an effective appetite suppressant which can give one a feeling of being full after only a few morsels of food. This property combined with its metabolism boosting, stimulant, and cardio-tonic properties, makes it an excellent weight loss remedy! Finally a stimulant and appetite suppressant that is actually good for the heart!!
We are excited to offer this rare South American botanical in the following forms:
Cha De Bugre Raw powder
Cha De Bugre 4:1 and 10:1 powdered extracts
The above mentioned studies are publically accessible via PubMed:
Wound Healing Actions:
Saito, M. L., et al. “Morfodiagnose e identificacao cromatografica em camada delgada de chá de bugre - Cordia ecalyculata Vell." Rev. Bras. Farm. 1986; 67: 1-16.
Antimicrobial & Cytotoxic Actions:
Hayashi, K., et al. “Antiviral activity of an extract of Cordia salicifolia on herpes simplex virus type 1.” Planta Med. 1990; 56(5): 439-43.
Arisawa, M., et al. “Cell growth inhibition of KB cells by plant extracts.” Natural Medicines 1994; 48(4): 338-347.
Cardiotonic Actions:
Matsunaga, K., et al. “Excitatory and inhibitory effects of Paraguayan medicinal plants Equisetum giganteum, Acanthpspermum australe, Allophylus edlis and Cordia salicifolia on contraction of rabbit aorta and giunea-pig left atrium.” Natural Medicines 1997; 51: 478-481.
This product was added to our catalog on Saturday 14 June, 2008.
