Anamu

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Anamu (Petiveria alliacea) is a perennial herb of Central and South America. Its leaves and roots have a garlic-like odor and are used in traditional medicine across the Americas and the Caribbean.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Immune support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used traditionally for immune-related complaints. Modern controlled human evidence is insufficient.

How it works

The plant contains sulfur compounds (including dibenzyl trisulfide), coumarins, and triterpenes. These constituents have shown immune-modulating, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity in laboratory and animal studies. The garlic-like sulfur compounds are thought to drive much of the observed biological activity. Human controlled trials are very limited. Most contemporary use is grounded in folk traditions for immune support and inflammatory conditions.

Dosage

There is no established human dose. Traditional preparations use the dried herb in teas or tinctures. Modern supplement products vary widely.

When and how to take it

Traditional teas are taken once or twice daily. Modern products often suggest with meals to reduce GI effects.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried herb / root extract

The most common supplement form.

Constituent content varies by source and processing.

Safety

Anamu has been reported to cause uterine contractions in animal studies, raising pregnancy concerns. Other reported adverse effects include altered immune function and possible effects on blood glucose. Long-term human safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use cautiously in people with bleeding disorders, on anticoagulants, taking immunosuppressants, or on antidiabetic medications. Stop use before surgery.

Interactions

May enhance the action of anticoagulants because of coumarin content. Possible immune-modulating effects could interact with immunosuppressants. May lower blood sugar, with potential additive effects on antidiabetic medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is anamu safe during pregnancy?⌄

No. Animal studies suggest uterine activity and miscarriage risk. Avoid during pregnancy.

Will anamu boost my immune system?⌄

Laboratory studies show immune-modulating activity. Whether oral supplements produce a clinically useful immune effect in healthy people is not established.

References

Anamu on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Anamu (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.