MEDlCINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. PARTS 1 & 11.

MENISPERMACEAE
A small tropical family distinguished by the presence of a number of characteristic alkaloids. including
bebeerine. pelosine and cissampeline. Bitter principles are also present.
CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA L. Velvet Leaf or Bush; False Pareira-brava.
The shoots are used in Jamaica principally to make tea for colds. It was used in earlier times as a bitter
tonic and for a diuretic effect, also for skin diseases. gonorrhoea. and as a plaster for sores. At one time this
species was confused with the true Pareira brava derived from another member of the same family. It appears
probable that it contains the same, or some of the same. alkaloids. An alkaloid (sepeerine) which, according to
some authorities. is identical with the bebeerine of the true Pareira brava. is present and a second alkaloid
(cissampeline) has also been recorded. The plant is used by some African tribes for purposes similar to those
already mentioned. (2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 27).
MIMOSOIDEAE*
MIMOSA PUDICA L. Shame Weed; Shut Weed; Shama; Shama Lady (many variations); Dead
and Awake; Sensitive Plant.
The root. particularly in combination with plants such as Desmodium sp. and Achyranthes indica is used
to make tea for colds. It contains 10 per cent tannin. The plant is also said to be used for gonorrhoea and as a
sedative. In Africa a leaf decoction is used for dysentery, as a tonic, and as an application for guinea worm. (2,
7, 27).
MORACEAE
A family of some nine hundred temperate and tropical species with latex widely distributed. Cystoliths
of calcium carbonate also occur in the leaves and bark. Rubber wax and resinous compounds are common in the
latex, especially in Ficus species, and tannins are found especially in the bark. Only scattered representatives of
groups of compound such as alkaloids and essential oils are present.
ARTOCARPUS INCISA L. Breadfruit.
The belief in the efficacy of a tea made from breadfruit leaves in cases of high blood pressure is
widespread in Jamaica. (27).
CECROPIA PELTATA L. Trumpet Tree: Snake Wood.
The latex of this tree is said to contain an alkaloid, cowleyin. A decoction of the leaves is used for colds
and is said to be a sovereign remedy for a sore throat and hoarseness. It is also said to be good for 'nerves'.
Beckwith mentions the use of trumpet (no identification) in baths. (15, 27).
MYRISTICACEAE
A small tropical family of woody plants, many of which have oil cells in the leaves, stems and seeds.
and in which tannin sacs are common. Essential oils and fats are found but alkaloids and glucosides are,
apparently, absent.
MYRISTICA FRAGRANS Houtt. Nutmeg.
This plant produces the nutmeg and mace of commerce. It is official in the pharmacopoeias. The dried
seed kernals of nutmeg contain 5 to 15 per cent of volatile oil and up to 40 per cent of fats. The volatile oil
contains d-camphene, d-pinene, dipentene, d-borneol, I-terpineol, geraniol, safrole and a toxic substance
myristicin. A saponin is also said to be present in nutmeg. Beckwith says that powdered nutmeg is given to
women in labour. (3, 8, 10, 14, 27).
*See also LEGUMINOSAE