Virola: A Promising Genus for Enthnopharmacological Investigation

Abstract

Data are now available on the antifungal use of Virola from four countries and some 14 different tribes of Indians in these countries who employ the Virola exudate for the same or similar purposes. Three of the five methods of ethnobotanical investigation proposed by Schultes and Swain in 1976 have been employed in this ethnobotanical research. Furthermore, both of the present authors have successfully employed this antifungal treatment themselves. Given that deep fungal infections of the skin are often considered incurable with medications currently in use, further laboratory analysis of Virola resin should be undertaken as soon as possible.

New Species of Virola (Myristicaceae) from South America

“… Virola is important to indigenous and rural communities for its several ethnobotanical attributes. It can be used as medicine to treat malaria, asthma, rheumatism, tumors of the joints, intestinal worms, skin diseases, erysipelas, hemorrhoids, bucal ulcerations, leishmaniasis, and halitosis; while its wood is used both for construction and paper pulp manufacturing, ( Rodrigues 1972 , 1980 ; Lourerio et al 1989 ; Plotkin and Schultes 1990 ; Milliken 1997 ; Rodrigues et al 2001 ). Resin from several species, including V. calophylla (Spruce) Warb.…”

A taxonomic synopsis of Virola (Myristicaceae) in Mesoamerica, including six new species

“…and V. surinamensis is applied to treat skin conditions, alleviate tooth pain, soothe colic and as a styptic (i.e. a substance used to stop bleeding) to treat ulcerating sores and wounds, haemorrhoids and other sources of bleeding (Plotkin and Schultes 1990). The sap of an undetermined species of Virola has been reported to be used as a contraceptive by Indians on the Rio Negro of Brazil and is reputedly effective for a period of two or three years (Plotkin and Schultes 1990).…”

“…a substance used to stop bleeding) to treat ulcerating sores and wounds, haemorrhoids and other sources of bleeding (Plotkin and Schultes 1990). The sap of an undetermined species of Virola has been reported to be used as a contraceptive by Indians on the Rio Negro of Brazil and is reputedly effective for a period of two or three years (Plotkin and Schultes 1990). Finally, the oil obtained from the seeds of Virola officinalis Warb, V. sebifera and V. surinamensis has many medical folk uses, including treatments for asthma, rheumatism, tumours of the joints, intestinal worms, skin diseases, erysipelas, haemorrhoids and bad breath (Rodrigues 1972, 1980; Plotkin and Schultes 1990).…”