Herbs (Global Traditional) · Amazonian
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Strong Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (ipecac) contains alkaloids emetine and cephaeline that induce emesis through central nervous system stimulation. It has historical pharmaceutical use as an emetic agent but modern clinical applications are extremely limited due to safety concerns.
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (ipecac) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Rubiaceae family native to Brazil and cultivated primarily in Costa Rica for pharmaceutical use. The medicinal part consists of dried rhizome and roots, particularly the outer bark layer containing isoquinoline alkaloids emetine and cephaeline. Alkaloids are extracted using acidic alcohol solutions followed by HPLC purification to achieve >98.5% purity.
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Cephaelis ipecacuanha were found in the research. The only PubMed entry identified (PMID 4393340) describes analytical methods for quantifying emetine and cephaeline in root preparations but reports no clinical outcomes. Modern research focuses exclusively on extraction methodology and alkaloid quantification rather than therapeutic applications.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no clinical trials have been conducted. Extraction yields vary by method with ultrasonic bath using 70% ethanol showing highest alkaloid recovery. Standardization focuses on achieving emetine:cephaeline ratios of 2-3:1 typical of C. ipecacuanha. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Cephaelis ipecacuanha is not consumed as a food or nutritional supplement; it is a medicinal/pharmaceutical plant with no relevant macronutrient profile (not a source of dietary protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, or minerals in any practical sense). Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive alkaloid content. • **Primary bioactive alkaloids (root bark):** Emetine (~1.0–1.5% of dried root weight) and cephaeline (~0.5–0.75%), typically in a 2–3:1 emetine-to-cephaeline ratio; total alkaloid content of pharmacopeial-grade root ranges from ~1.5–2.5% dry weight. • **Minor alkaloids:** Psychotrine, O-methylpsychotrine, and emetamine present in trace amounts (<0.1%). • **Other bioactive compounds:** Ipecacuanhic acid (a glucoside), starch (~30–40% of root dry weight, not nutritionally relevant in this context), tannins, and saponins in minor quantities. • **Alkaloid localization:** Highest concentration in the root cortex/bark; wood and aerial parts contain negligible amounts. • **Bioavailability notes:** Emetine is readily absorbed orally with a long tissue half-life (~28–35 days) due to extensive binding to skeletal and cardiac muscle; cephaeline has higher emetic potency but shorter half-life. Both alkaloids are isoquinoline derivatives with high lipophilicity, facilitating GI absorption. • **Extraction optimization:** Ultrasonic-assisted extraction with 70% ethanol at 40–60°C yields the highest total alkaloid recovery (~95% efficiency). • **Safety note:** All parts of the plant are toxic at relatively low doses; emetine has a narrow therapeutic index with cumulative cardiotoxicity. This plant has no nutritional application and should not be ingested outside of strictly controlled pharmaceutical preparations.
Emetine and cephaeline alkaloids stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the medulla oblongata, inducing vomiting reflexes through central nervous system pathways. These alkaloids also irritate gastric mucosa directly, contributing to emetic effects. The 2-3:1 ratio of emetine to cephaeline in standardized preparations determines the intensity and duration of emetic response.
No modern clinical trials support therapeutic benefits of ipecac beyond its historical emetic use. Traditional medicine documentation exists but lacks controlled study validation. Historical pharmaceutical preparations were standardized for emergency emetic use, but this application has been largely discontinued due to safety concerns and availability of safer alternatives. Current medical literature focuses primarily on toxicological rather than therapeutic properties.
Ipecac alkaloids can cause severe cardiotoxicity, prolonged vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances with repeated use. Emetine accumulates in tissues and may cause cardiomyopathy with chronic exposure. Contraindicated in pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends ipecac syrup for poison treatment due to potential complications.
