# Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cephaelis-ipecacuanha **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 8 / 10 **Category:** Amazonian **Also Known As:** Cephaelis ipecacuanha, Psychotria ipecacuanha, Ipecac root, Brazilian ipecac, Matto Grosso ipecac, Rio ipecac, Poaya, Raiz do Brasil ## Overview 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. ## Health Benefits • Historical emetic use only - no clinical trials found in research • Traditional medicine applications documented but without modern clinical validation • Contains bioactive alkaloids emetine and cephaeline with 2-3:1 ratio in pharmaceutical preparations • Extraction methods standardized for pharmaceutical use (ultrasonic bath with 70% ethanol yields highest alkaloid content) • No evidence-based health benefits established through clinical research ## Mechanism of Action 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. ## Clinical Summary 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. ## Nutritional Profile 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. ## Dosage & Preparation 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. ## Safety & Drug Interactions 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](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends ipecac syrup for poison treatment due to potential complications. ## Scientific Research 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. ## Historical & Cultural Context Ipecac roots have been used historically in global traditional medicine as an emetic to induce vomiting, though specific traditional medicine systems and contexts are not detailed in available research. Pharmaceutical extraction has traditionally preferred C. ipecacuanha over C. acuminata due to its higher emetine content and favorable 2-3:1 emetine:cephaeline ratio. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients identified in research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What alkaloids are found in ipecac root? Ipecac contains primarily emetine and cephaeline alkaloids in a typical 2-3:1 ratio. These isoquinoline alkaloids are responsible for the plant's emetic properties and are concentrated in the root portion. ### Is ipecac syrup still used medically? Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended by major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics. It was discontinued for poison treatment due to safety concerns and lack of proven benefit over activated charcoal. ### How does ipecac cause vomiting? Ipecac's emetine and cephaeline alkaloids stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain's medulla oblongata. They also directly irritate the stomach lining, creating a dual mechanism for inducing emesis. ### What are the side effects of ipecac? Ipecac can cause prolonged vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potentially fatal cardiomyopathy. Emetine alkaloids accumulate in heart tissue and may cause permanent cardiac damage with repeated exposure. ### Can ipecac be used as a weight loss supplement? Ipecac should never be used for weight loss as it can cause life-threatening complications including heart damage and severe dehydration. Misuse of ipecac for eating disorders has resulted in documented fatalities. ### Is ipecac safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Ipecac is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its potent emetic alkaloids, which can trigger uterine contractions and pass into breast milk. The systematic toxicity and lack of safety data in these populations make it unsuitable for use by pregnant or nursing individuals. Healthcare providers universally recommend avoiding ipecac during these sensitive periods. ### Does ipecac interact with medications or other supplements? Ipecac may interact with medications by increasing gastric motility and potentially reducing drug absorption if taken concurrently. It can also potentiate the effects of other emetic agents or substances affecting GI function, and may interfere with medications requiring stable gastric pH. Concurrent use with cardiac medications, diuretics, or electrolyte-affecting drugs warrants medical supervision due to ipecac's effects on fluid and electrolyte balance. ### What does scientific research actually show about ipecac's effectiveness and safety? Modern clinical research has largely abandoned ipecac as a therapeutic agent, with poison control centers and medical organizations no longer recommending it for poisoning treatment due to unproven efficacy and documented risks. The evidence base consists primarily of historical use documentation and in vitro alkaloid studies rather than controlled human trials demonstrating clinical benefit. Current scientific consensus categorizes ipecac as a traditional remedy lacking sufficient evidence-based validation for any therapeutic supplement application. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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