Herbs and plantsJaborandi — the leaf that gave rise to a glaucoma medicine and makes you sweat
- Henryk Różański — Folium Iaborandi jako źródło alkaloidów imidazolowych
- Henryk Różański — Kwiat lipy – Flos (Inflorescentia) Tiliae w fitoterapii
- [One hundred years pilocarpine in ophthalmology (author's transl)]. · Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 1976
- Jaborandi: an interdisciplinary appraisal. · J Ethnopharmacol 1979
- Seasonal change in main alkaloids of jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth), an economically important species from the Brazilian flora. · PLoS One 2017
- Cell suspension as a tool to study the biosynthesis of pilocarpine in Jaborandi. · Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2007
Jaborandi leaves and pilocarpine were used to induce sweating, and the leaves were added to herbal teas taken for fever.
- Treatments for tonsillitis, influenza, bronchitis, hair loss, and psoriasis were also mentioned; some of these uses were described as historical.
- In the past, pilocarpine was also used for certain eye and hearing problems, while jaborandi was used for rheumatism, poisoning, and dropsy.
What the authors write
Pilocarpine is used to treat glaucoma, and pilocarpine hydrochloride was administered under the skin for atropine poisoning.
Jaborandi leaves and pilocarpine were described as agents that induce sweating and as remedies formerly used for rheumatism, poisoning, and dropsy.
Pilocarpine increases the secretion of saliva and sweat, lowers intraocular pressure, and constricts the pupils.
Pilocarpine and preparations made from jaborandi leaves were rubbed into the scalp to treat hair loss, and preparations were also used for psoriasis.
In the past, pilocarpine was administered for certain inflammatory eye conditions, retinal detachment, and hearing problems associated with fluid accumulation.
Jaborandi leaf was an ingredient in official sweat-inducing herbal tea mixtures.
The listed pilocarpine salts were described as sweat-inducing, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, or antiseptic agents.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 15.
Pilocarpine was applied locally to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma.
Aim of the study: In 1876, A. Weber chemically isolated from P.
Results: Weber introduced chemically isolated Pilocarpium muriaticum from P. jaborandi into ophthalmological therapy. One year later, it was used locally to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma and, in the following years, replaced the extract of the Calabar bean (eserine). Clinical and pharmacological data are discussed.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Jaborandi leaves cause profuse sweating and salivation, and pilocarpine remains in use in ophthalmology.
Aim of the study: Despite many references to Pilocarpus Jaborandi Holmes in ethnological and botanical sources, and suggestions that it was used for a variety of diseases, it has not been possible to identify any particular purpose for which South American Indians used its leaves.
Results: In 1875, Hardy and Gerrard independently discovered the alkaloid pilocarpine. Most therapeutic uses of jaborandi leaves and pilocarpine fell out of use and were discontinued. The use that remained was pilocarpine in ophthalmology, where Weber had introduced it as a miotic in 1876. The combination of pilocarpine and another natural product, physostigmine, remains one of the mainstays of ophthalmology to this day.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Pilocarpine from jaborandi is used to treat glaucoma and dry mouth.
Aim of the study: Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth (jaborandi, Rutaceae) is one of Brazil’s most important medicinal species because it contains pilocarpine (PIL), an alkaloid used to treat glaucoma and xerostomia. This species also contains another alkaloid, epiisopiloturine (EPI), which has been shown to be effective against schistosomiasis.
Results: PIL content gradually decreased in all three populations during the rainy season. EPI content differed significantly between the green line (S01) and the traditional lines (S02 and S03). S01 had significantly lower EPI content in every month, showing that it was not the best source for EPI extraction. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and morphological analyses clearly distinguished S01 from S02 and S03, in agreement with the alkaloid results. This study shows the first correlation between the chemical, morphological, and molecular markers of P. microphyllus and highlights the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary research approach to support both industry and the conservation of natural resources.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Pilocarpine from jaborandi leaves has been described as being used to treat glaucoma and dry mouth.
Aim of the study: Jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus) is a species native to northern and northeastern Brazil. Its leaves produce pilocarpine, an imidazole alkaloid that has been used to treat glaucoma and xerostomia, although its biosynthesis is still uncertain. This study aimed to establish cell lines and select those with an alkaloid profile similar to that of jaborandi leaves.
Results: After 24 subcultures, alkaloid production remained constant. ESI-MS analysis showed that the cell culture extracts had the same alkaloid composition as extracts made from leaves. The results indicate that cell suspensions can be used as a model for studying the biosynthesis of the imidazole alkaloid in P. microphyllus.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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