Scientific name

Family

Origin

Synonyms

Red China

Used Parts

Chemical constituents

• Alkaloids (cinconidine, chinchin, quinidine and quinine);
• Tannins;
• Bitter substances (triterpenes).

China in Herbalist: Property of China

The china has always been used as an aperitif and digestive: in fact it increases the chloridropeptic secretion of the stomach. Better to use the fluid extracts of china, to be taken diluted in water half an hour before meals.

The china has very important anti-malarial virtues; it represents the natural source of a very important drug in the fight against malaria, called quinine.

China extracts are also important in cosmetics, where they are part of the formulation of skin purifying products intended for use on impure skin and oily hair.

Biological activity

As mentioned, the china is a plant endowed with aperitif and digestive properties which are conferred by the bitter substances and by the alkaloids contained in it. In fact, these chemical constituents have the ability to promote the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, and it is thanks to this mechanism of action that the use of china has been officially approved to counteract the loss of appetite and digestive disorders.

Inside the china, moreover, there are some alkaloids with interesting therapeutic activities and still used in the medical field. We are talking about quinine (or quinine, if you prefer) and quinidine.

Quinine is an active ingredient with antimalarial activity that is part of the composition of different drugs. It is the drug of choice for the treatment of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, since these protozoa have not yet been able to develop resistance to it. Quinine exerts its antimalarial role by interfering with some fundamental metabolic processes for the protozoan, leading to certain death.

Quinidine, on the other hand, is a molecule with antiarrhythmic activity and - in the form of sulphate salt - it is the active ingredient of drugs used for the treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias and, in particular, of supraventricular tachycardia. Quinidine performs its action by decreasing the ion conduction at the level of the myocardium through the blocking of the fast sodium channels (Na +). All this translates into a reduction in the maximum speed of cellular depolarization, but without changing its resting potential. Furthermore, there is an increase in the excitability threshold and a decrease in conduction speed.

China against dyspeptic disorders and loss of appetite

Thanks to the bitter substances and to the alkaloids contained within it, the china is considered a valid remedy to counteract the loss of appetite and dyspeptic disorders.

The use of this plant is particularly indicated as an aperitif and digestive in the typical disappointments of periods of convalescence.

For the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, the china may be taken internally in the form of a standardized 4-5% liquid extract in total alkaloids (drug / solvent ratio 1: 5, using ethanol as an extraction solvent). In this case, the dose that is usually recommended is 0.6-3 grams of product per day.

China in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, china is used for various therapeutic purposes. More specifically, the plant is used to counteract flatulence and a sense of fullness. The bark is used internally to treat malaria, flu, cramps and muscle pain, gastric disorders and is even used as a remedy for splenomegaly and cancer.

Externally, however, the china is used for the treatment of scratches and skin ulcers.

In Chinese medicine, china - in addition to being used as an antimalarial remedy and as a remedy against febrile states - is also used to combat alcohol intoxication.

The anti-malarial properties of china are also known in Indian medicine which uses this plant for the treatment of malaria, but not only. In fact, traditional Indian medicine involves the use of Indian ink also to treat sciatica and intercostal neuralgia.

China also plays a role of some importance in homeopathy. In fact, this plant is available in homeopathic preparations with indications for the treatment of airway inflammation, diarrhea, rash, fever, neuralgia, anemia and poisoning in general.

Side effects

There may be allergic or gastric intolerance reactions (vomiting, nausea, gastroenteritis) and a reduction in the number of platelets.

Contraindications

The main contraindications concern the use in pregnancy and lactation. Avoid use in cases of peptic ulcer, gastritis and established hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Pharmacological Interactions

The ink can establish drug interactions with drugs, such as:

• Anticoagulants and / or antiplatelet agents (increases the risk of bleeding);
• Digoxin, flecainide and other antiarrhythmic drugs, since the concomitant intake of china may increase the toxicity of these same drugs;
• Astemizole, since the simultaneous use of cinchona can increase its plasma concentration and, consequently, it can also increase the side effects at cardiac level.

China - Notes

Quinine is made up of quinine sulfate.

Unlike red china, yellow china is richer in alkaloids and is more easily used for industrial production, while gray china is more widely used by the liqueur industry.