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Quassia at a Glance
Quassia amara is a tropical shrub or small tree in the Simaroubaceae family. The wood and bark contain intensely bitter quassinoids and have a long history in bitters and traditional herbal preparations.
Traditional Use
Quassia has been used as a digestive bitter and appetite-associated herb in parts of the Caribbean and South America and later in European herbal practice. Bitter reputation does not prove treatment of digestive disease or parasites.
Research
Quassinoids show biological activity in laboratory studies, including insecticidal and antiparasitic effects. Laboratory results do not establish safe or effective internal dosing in people.
Preparation
Traditional preparations use very small amounts of the bitter wood or bark in water or tincture. The extreme bitterness makes excessive intake unpleasant and can provoke nausea.
Safety
High doses may cause nausea, vomiting or other gastrointestinal effects. Pregnancy should be avoided because safety is inadequate and some quassinoids have reproductive-toxicity concerns in preclinical research. People with significant heart disease or those taking multiple medicines should not use concentrated preparations without professional guidance.
Bottom Line
Quassia is a powerful bitter with a long traditional history but limited clinical evidence. Its laboratory activity should not be converted into disease-treatment claims. For educational purposes only.