Abuta, the Midwife’s Herb…But So Much More

Deb Mastrianna

Abuta, Cissampelos pareira commonly known as the midwife’s herb because it is one of the most commonly used herbs during pregnancy to control cramping and high blood pressure.  But it is also popular with women to regulate dysfunctional menstrual cycles and reduce cramping during menstruation.

Abuta grows in Southeast Asia, as well as parts of North America, and South America, but most of the traditional uses are documented in Ayurvedic medicine from India where it is known as Patha. Though Abuta has been used, historically, for various women’s health issues, it has also been used for digestive difficulties, including upset stomach, digestion, diarrhea, colic, digestive drowsiness, and constipation.  The Kichwa (Quechuan), native to Ecuador, also use the leaves of the Abuta plant for snake bites and conjunctivitis. In North American herbal medicine Abuta has been uses for many of these conditions, as well as for fevers, ulcers, piles, intestinal worms, fibroid tumors, testicular inflammation, minor kidney problems, and topically for rheumatism.

The main chemicals in Abuta are alkaloids, arachidic acid, berberine, bulbocapnine, among others. Of the thirty-eight alkaloids that have been discovered in the herb, one called tetrandrine is the most well documented. Clinical research over the years found the herb to provide pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing properties. This herb is considered to act as a natural analgesic, anti-arthritic, as well as antibacterial, antihistamine, antioxidant, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective for the liver and as a hypotensive that may lower blood pressure. 

Abuta herb has been well regarded in Central and South America as an indispensable herbal healing agent that was carried by many midwives to assist in childbirth. Its properties have been found to help relax the uterus, and it has been considered to be a valuable plant overall for controlling heavy bleeding or hemorrhaging and postnatal pain. The constituents of the herb are known to contain strong neuromuscular blocking agents. This can be helpful for those who deal with painful menstrual cramps and to minimize the stress of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). 

Abuta contains a group of chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids that are found in the genus Cissempelos.  Considered to be a calcium channel blocker with anti-inflammatory, immunologic and antiallergenic effects. This component has also been well studied as a cardiotonic and hypotensive agent for numerous pathways of the body. 

Berberine is also a common component of the Abuta plant extract, which is a common alkaloid found in a wide range of plants. It is known for antifungal and antimicrobial, as well as anti-inflammatory actions. In South America, Abuta is commonly used for snakebite, to reduce pain and fever, and is used externally for sores, infections of the eye and other bacterial infections, childhood eczema, acne, boils, and scabies. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties Abuta is believed to have a positive effect on testicular inflammation. 

Therapeutic actions: Analgesic; Antiallergenic; Anti-arthritic; Anti-bacterial; Antifungal; Antihistamine; Anti- inflammatory; Antimicrobial; Antioxidant; Cardiotonic; Diuretic, Hypotensive; Hepatoprotective; Immunologic; Relaxant; Stimulant; Tonic.

Drug interactions: Can possibly interact with chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide)