Australian Quinine

A genus of about 43 species of evergreen trees and shrubs with milky sap, found from Africa, C America, and SE Asia to the west Pacific and Australia. Some species have been severely reduced by collection of bark for treating fevers. Alstonia is name after the Scottish botanist Charles Aston (1716-60). Alstonia bark is the trade name given to the bark of A. scholaris and the Australian A. constricta (fever bark, Australian quinine). Both contain indole alkaloids, though their exact constituents differ. Alstonia scholaris is so named because the soft wood was once used for making writing slates before paper was widely available. Alstonia boonei is used both medicinally and to make domestic items in Ghana. It is called "sky god's tree", as a branch is put up to the sky god in each village. The bark contains alkaloids that act as an antidote to Strophanthus poisoning.

The bark of this evergreen tree native to Australia is sometimes used to reduce fever, although there is no scientific evidence that it works. Fever bark has also been used as a uterine stimulant and a treatment for diarrhea and rheumatism. Some herbalists consider it a superior treatment for malaria, but evidence has not borne this out.

Evergreen tree with rough gray bark, whorls of leathery leaves, 15-20cm (6-8in) long. Clusters of small, tubular, green-white flowers are followed by paired, elongated fruits.


Common Name:
Australian Quinine
Other Names:
Alstonia Bark, Devil Tree, Dita bark, Fever Bark, Fever Bush, Milky Pine, Pale Mara
Botanical Name:
Alstonia scholaris, Alstonia constricta
Genus:
Alstonia
Family:
Apocynaceae
Native Location:
SE Asia
Cultivation:
Moist to wet soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:
By hardwood cuttings in moist sand in early spring, at 21°C (70°F)
Harvest:
Bark is stripped and dried for liquid extracts, tinctures, decoctions, and powder.
Height:
12-18m (40-60ft)
Width:
6-10m (20-30ft)
Hardiness:
Min. 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Parts Used:
Bark
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, alterative herb that lowers fever, relaxes spasms, stimulates lactation, and expels intestinal worms. It also stimulates the uterus, making it unsafe for pregnant women.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for malaria, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal parasites.
To treat rheumatism, malaria, and diarrhea.
Typical Dose:
A typical daily dose of fever bark has not been established.
Possible Side Effects:
Fever bark's side effects include depression, irritability, nasal congestion, and lethargy.
Drug Interactions:
Taking fever bark with these drugs may increase or decrease the effects of the drug:
Albuterol, (Proventil, Ventolin)
Brimonidine, (Alphagan P, PMS-Brimonidine Tartrate)
Dobutamine, (Dobutrex)
Dopamine, (Inoptrin)
Dopexamine, (Dopacard)
Ephedrine, (PretzD)
Isoetharine, (Beta2, Bronkosol)
Isoproterenol, (Isuprel)
Metaproterenol, (Alupent)
Metaraminol, (Aramine)
Norpinephrine, (Levophed)
Phenylephrine, (Neo-Synephrine, Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray)
Pseudoephedrine, (Dimetapp Decongestant, Sudafed)
Terbutaline, (Brethine)
Taking fever bark with this drug may be harmful:
Naloxone, (Narcan)—May enhance the drugs therapeutic and/or adverse effects.
Lab Test Alterations
  • May increase 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindolefacetic acid).
  • May increase FFA (free fatty acids).
  • May increase urine levels of homovanillic acid.
  • May increase levels of gastric pepsin.
  • May increase plasma prolactin.
  • May decrease urine levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.
  • May decrease plasma prothrombin time.
  • May decrease plasma 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine).
  • May decrease serum T-4 (thyroxine).
  • May decrease urine levels of vanillylmandelic acid.
  • May decrease blood platelet levels.
  • May alter results of Guaiacols spot test.
  • May trigger a false positive reading on tyramine test.
Economic Uses:
Light, soft wood is used for making masks and coffins.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 116-117
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD. Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.219-220