Chuchuhuasi

Botanical

What is it

Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovii) is a large tree from the Amazon basin. Traditional Peruvian herbalists use the bark and root for arthritis, immune support, and as a tonic.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Joint and immune support

Mixed Evidence

Traditional and preclinical evidence only. No human clinical trials confirm specific benefits.

How it works

The bark contains nicotinoyl sesquiterpene alkaloids, triterpenes, catechins, and tannins. Laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating activity. Some animal studies report joint and gastrointestinal effects in line with traditional use. Human clinical trials are essentially absent. Available evidence is preclinical or anecdotal.

Dosage

There is no established dose. Traditional decoctions use bark in tea form, while commercial extracts vary widely in strength. The DSLD does not list a standardized median.

When and how to take it

Often taken with or after food. No specific timing has been established.

1 commercial form

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

Bark extract

Powder, capsule, or liquid extract from the bark.

Not standardized in most products

Safety

Generally considered well tolerated in traditional use, but human safety data are limited. Concentrated extracts could interact with medications or cause GI upset. The bark must be sustainably sourced, as overharvesting is a concern.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution with anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating medications. Discuss with a clinician if you have autoimmune disease.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants. Specific interaction data are not available.

Frequently asked questions

Does chuchuhuasi help arthritis?⌄

It is used traditionally for joint pain and shows anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies, but there are no controlled human trials.

Is it stimulating?⌄

Traditional use considers it tonic and warming, but it is not a strong stimulant like caffeine.

References

Chuchuhuasi on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Chuchuhuasi (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.