Jaborandi

About 20 species of shrubs and small trees belong to this genus, which occurs mainly in rainforests in tropical America and the West Indies. Jaborandi is the source of an important alkaloid, pilocarpine, which is obtained from several species, including Pilocarpus jaborandi (Pernambuco jaborandi), P. microphyllus, P. pinnatifolius (Paraguay jaborandi), and P. trachylophus (Ceara jaborandi). Medicinal uses of jaborandi were introduced to Europe in 1873 by Symphronio Coutinho (1832-87), a Brazilian physician who observed that chewing the leaves causes excess salivation - and effect then thought to be of value in treating dropsy (edema or fluid retention). The alkaloid pilocarpine was isolated in 1875 and became the standard treatment for edema until potent diuretics were introduced in the 1920s. Pilocarpine stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and is now used mainly in opthalmology to constrict the pupil of the eye and reduce intra-ocular pressure. Supplies of foliage are still collected mainly from the wild, though plantations have been established in Brazil.

Evergreen shrub with smooth, gray bark and dull yellow-green, pinnate leaves. Small, red-purple flowers are produced in lax racemes, followed by 2-valved fruits consisting of 1-5 nearly separate, one-seeded carpels.

Common Name:	Jaborandi
Other Names:	Maranham Jaborandi
Botanical Name:	Pilocarpus microphyllus
Genus:	Pilocarpus
Family:	Rutaceae
Native Location:	Brazil.
Cultivation:	Rich, well-drained soil in partial shade and high humidity.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by ripewood cuttings with leaves intact during the growing season.
Harvest:	Leaves and leafy twigs are picked as required, and dried for extraction of alkaloids and for use in liquid extracts and tinctures.
Height:	1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
Width:	1m (3ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Parts Used:	Leaves, Leafy Twigs
Properties:	A bitter, slightly aromatic herb that stimulates the heart, causes copious perspiration and salivation, contracts the pupils, and reputedly increases hair growth.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for psoriasis, itching of the skin, syphilis, chronic mucus, and dropsy (leaf extracts). Internally and externally for glaucoma and as an antidote to atropine (pilocarpine); externally for hair loss (leaf extracts).
Warning:	Excess causes profuse perspiration and salivation, rapid pulse, contracted pupils, diarrhea and vomiting, and may be fatal. This herb, especially in the form of pilocarpine and leaf extracts, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Use of jaborandi in cosmetics is prohibited in many countries.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 316