Quinine is a substance extracted from the bark of a plant common in South American countries, known as quinine or, scientifically, as Cinchona calisaya.
In the past, quinine was one of the most widely used substances in the treatment of malaria, but since the creation of other synthetic drugs such as chloroquine or primaquine, quinine has only been used in some more specific cases of malaria and under medical supervision.
- Although quinine is not widely used today.
- Its tree remains a source for the preparation of traditional remedies.
- Such as quinine tea.
- Due to its febrile.
- Antimalaric.
- Digestive and healing properties.
In addition, compounds obtained from the quinine plant, mainly quinine, can also be used as a bitter additive in certain foods and beverages, and can be found, for example, in certain tonic waters. However, in the form of soda, quinine is not found in sufficient concentrations to have a therapeutic effect.
Tonic water is a type of soda that contains quinine chloride in its composition, which gives it the typical bitter taste of the drink. However, concentrations of this substance in tonic water are very low, less than 5 mg/L, with no therapeutic effect against malaria or any other type of disease.
Quinine is commonly used in tea form, which can be prepared from the leaves and bark of the plant. To make Quina tea, mix 1 liter of water and 2 tablespoons of plant bark, and let it boil for 10 minutes. Then let it sit for 10 minutes and drink a maximum of 2 to 3 cups a day.
In addition, quinine present in the quinine plant can be found in capsule form, however, it is important to note that this medicine should only be used upon medical authorization, as there are contraindications and side effects.
It is also important to note that quinine tea can only be indicated by the doctor as a means of supplementing medication treatment, since the concentration of quinine obtained in the leaf is much lower than the concentration obtained from the trunk of the tree and therefore, the tea alone would not have enough activity against the infectious agent responsible for malaria.
The use of the quinine plant and therefore quinine is contraindicated for pregnant women, children, as well as patients with depression, blood clotting problems or liver disease. In addition, the use of quinine should be evaluated when the patient is using other medicinal products, such as cisapride, heparin, rifamycin or carbamazepine.
It is important for your doctor to indicate the use of the quinine plant, as excessive amounts of this plant can have adverse effects, such as changes in heart rate, nausea, mental confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, bleeding and liver problems.