What is Cha de Bugre?
Cordia salicifolia / eucalyculata, family Boraginaceae is commonly known as Cha de Bugre or Porangaba. Cha de Bugre is a small tree, indigenous to Brazil. It is commonly called cafe do mato (coffee of the woods), producing a red fruit that resembles a coffee bean and is often used as a coffee substitute.
Traditional use of Cha de Bugre
Many societies of the Brazilian Amazon basin have used Cha de Bugre as a circulatory stimulant, mild diuretic, for the treatment of arthritis, cellulite, gout, rheumatism, cough, fevers, kidney stones, against obesity and as a source of energy.
Pharmacies and stores in Rio de Janeiro commonly sell Cha de Bugre for weight-loss; it is believed to help prevent or reduce fatty deposits and cellulite. Dr. C.L. Cruz in his book, "Dictionary of the Plants Used in Brazil", recommends Cha de Bugre as an excellent diuretic and weight loss aid, as well as a good general heart tonic that can help stimulate circulation.
Cha de Bugre and Modern Science
In 1997, researchers using a leaf extract validated the traditional use of the plant as a heart tonic increasing cardiovascular actions. Cha de Bugre contains caffeine, potassium, allantoin, and allantoic acid - all substances which are known to promote weight-loss.
What is Maca?
Lepidium meyenii, family Brassicaceae, is commonly known as Maca or Peruvian Ginseng. Maca is a hardy perennial plant cultivated the Andean highlands at altitudes from 8,000 to 14,500 feet. It produces a reddish white tuberous root, scalloped leaves, and off-white flowers.
Maca was an integral part of the diet and commerce of ancient Andean people. It was domesticated about 2,000 years ago, and primitive Maca specimen have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C. Eventually, knowledge of Maca's special qualities was almost forgotten, until in the 1960s, Peruvian Botanist Gloria Chacon re-discovered Maca as one of "the lost crops of the Andes." Her re-discovery led to increased cultivation of Maca. In 1994, less than 50 hectares were devoted to the commercial cultivation of Maca; by 1999, over 1200 hectares were under production due to rising demand in the U.S. and abroad.
Traditional Uses of Maca
Since pre-Incan times, Maca has been extensively used for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. It has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown in the Andes. Traditionally, Andean people have used Maca for the treatment of hormonal disorders, anemia, fertility problems, impotence, menopause symptoms, menstrual disorders, tuberculosis, as an immunostimulant, energy supplement, and to enhance memory.
Maca and Modern Science
Maca root is proven to be very rich in nutritional value. It contains large amounts of proteins, sterols, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to its rich supply of essential nutrients (especially iodine and iron), Maca contains alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. Chemical research shows a compound called
Maca's fertility-enhancing properties were reported as early as the 1960's. Since that time there have been many studies, reporting Maca's positive effect on sexual function.
Recent Scientific Studies
Cha de Bugre:
1. Arisawa, M., et al. 1994. Cell growth inhibition of KB Cells by Plant Extracts. Natural Medicines 48(4), 338-347.
2. Matsunaga, K., et al. 1997. Excitatory and inhibitory effects of Paraguayan medicinal plants Equisetum giganteum, Acanthpspermum australe, Allophylus edulis and Cordia salicifolia on contraction of rabbit aorta and guinea pig left atrium. Natural Medicines 51, 478-481.
3. Saito, M. L., et al. 1986. Morfodiagnose e identificacao cromatografica em camada delgada de cha de bugre - Cordia ecalyculata Vell. Rev. Bras. Farm 67, 1-16.
Maca:
1. Dini, A., et al. 1994. Chemical composition of Lepidium meyenii. Food Chemistry 49, 347-349.
2. Gonzales, G. F., et al. 2001. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian J. Androl. 3(4), 301-303.
3. Gonzales, G. F., et al. 2002. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia 34(6), 367-372.
4. Gonzales, G. F., et al. 2003. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. J. Endocrinol. 176(1), 163-168.
5. Johns, T. 1981. The anu and the Maca. Journal of Ethnobiology 1, 208-212.
6. Scibona, M., et al. 1994. L-arginine and male infertility." Minerva Urol. Nefrol. 46(4), 251-253.
7. Zheng, B. L., et al. 2000. Effect of a lipidic extract from Lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. Urology 55(4), 598-602.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.