Evidence supporting the use of: Cinchona
For the health condition: Malaria

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Cinchona has a strong scientific basis for its use in the treatment of malaria. The bark of the Cinchona tree contains several alkaloids, most notably quinine, which has been used as an effective antimalarial agent for centuries. The medicinal use of Cinchona bark was first recognized in South America, where indigenous peoples employed it to treat fevers. Its antimalarial properties were introduced to Europe in the 17th century, and quinine became the first effective treatment for malaria, revolutionizing disease management and enabling colonization of tropical regions where malaria was endemic.

Quinine’s efficacy was scientifically validated in the 19th and 20th centuries through isolation, synthesis, and clinical use. Modern pharmacology recognizes quinine as a potent blood schizonticide, interfering with parasite replication within red blood cells. Although newer antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and artemisinin derivatives have largely superseded quinine in clinical practice due to improved safety profiles and efficacy, quinine is still used in certain cases, particularly for severe malaria or when resistance to other drugs exists. The World Health Organization lists quinine among its essential medicines for malaria. Thus, the use of Cinchona and its derivatives for malaria is strongly supported by both historical tradition and robust scientific evidence.

More about Cinchona
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Other health conditions supported by Cinchona

Chills
Fever
Infection
Malaria

Products containing Cinchona

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.